“More than 13600 people live in illegal settlements here.” That is a situation in Casavalle. Welcome to Casavalle in Montevideo Uruguay. This barrio pulsates with a unique history. It faces contemporary challenges. Casavalle is more than just a location. It is a story of resilience. It is a testament to the spirit of its people.
Casavalle is a barrio within Montevideo. It belongs to CCZ 11 of Municipio D. The district borders Manga, Toledo Chico and Manga to the north. It also borders Piedras Blancas to the east. Las Acacias, Montevideo, and Cerrito de la Victoria are to the southeast. Peñarol-Lavalleja lies to the west.
Casavalle comprises several districts. These include Barrio Unidad Casavalle and Barrio Unidad Misiones. Also included are Barrio Borro and Borro Este. You will also find Barrio Bonomi and Barrio Municipal here. Furthermore, there is Barrio Plácido Ellauri and Barrio Nuevo Ellauri. Finally, Barrio Jardines de Instrucciones completes the list. The barrio is delimited by several avenues. These are Aparicio Saravia Boulevard and Pedro de Mendoza Avenue. Also Camino Carlos A. López and Instrucciones Avenue. The stream Arroyo Miguelete also marks the edge.
Once Casavalle was an independent village. It was separate from Montevideo. The area has been home to historical figures. Cap. Jacinto Trápani participated in the liberation campaign. Pedro Casavalle also lived here. So did Pérez Castellanos. Great poets like Ildefonso Pereda Valdés and Fernán Silva Valdés called Casavalle home too.
Francisco Piria initiated a transformation in 1908. This was mainly through the creation of Barrio Plácido Ellauri. Eventually, this integrated Casavalle into Montevideo’s urban area.
In 1811, the property of Pedro Casavalle served as a refuge. Franciscan Fathers were expelled from the plaza. Elío ordered this because they sympathized with the patriotic cause. In November 1813, Oriental neighbors gathered in the same house. They chose Pbro Juan J. Ortiz and Juan J. Durán as deputies. They represented Montevideo at the “Congreso de Capilla Maciel”.
A battle took place nearby on March 17, 1823. It was between imperial Brazilian advances led by Lecor. Patriotic forces were under the command of Manuel Oribe. The patriots defeated the Brazilians. The battle carries Casavalle’s name.
Agustín Abelleira owned the old lands of Casavalle in the 20th century. He sold them to Francisco Piria on October 22, 1907. Piria bought land and auctioned it off. He created the Plácido Ellauri neighborhood.
The José Borro garden neighborhood dates back to 1926. It accelerated the repopulation of the area. The Popular Bank of Uruguay auctioned off 200 farms. Arguments for promoting land purchases included the suitability for farms. There was a great variety of fruit trees. The imminent installation of tram No. 48 of La Comercial was another.
An industrialist from the area gave the neighborhood its name. He manufactured “Guerrillero” cigarettes. This was also the name of a winning horse at the Maroñas Racetrack.
The Fundacion Los Pinos Educational Center helps young people complete their studies. It assists them in gaining employment. Individual monitoring and understanding of their family situations help. This creates a basis for self-development and social skills.
Today, Casavalle faces challenges. Many young people do not finish their studies. They are vulnerable to violence and drugs. The “Una opción para los jóvenes de Casavalle” project offers new opportunities. It supports young people at risk of exclusion.
Casavalle’s story is one of transformation. It has evolved from an independent village. It became integrated into Montevideo. The community faces modern-day issues. Yet, it strives to offer hope and opportunity to its youth.
In 1959, the Unidad Casavalle was built by the government. This consisted of housing where families from other areas of the city were relocated.
Casavalle is a testament to resilience and reinvention. It is a community striving for a brighter future.