Jardín de infantes 220

“A train whistle echoes in the distance,” whispered Maria, a former student of Jardín de Infantes 220. “Can you almost hear it?” We stand before Jardín de Infantes 220, a charming building nestled in the Peñarol neighborhood of Montevideo. This isn’t just any school. It’s a living piece of history, a designated Monumento Histórico Nacional since 1975. Jardín de Infantes 220 stands proudly at the corner of Avenida Sayago 1581 and Bulevar Aparicio Saravia. Its story begins in the early 20th century. It was originally a home for a mid-level employee of the Central Uruguay Railway, an English company. The sturdy construction, with its thick walls and wooden floors, speaks to a different era. Imagine the warmth radiating from the wood-burning stoves. Picture the sunlight streaming through the lapacho wood window frames. The original kitchen and pantry remain, whispering tales of family meals. And if you listen closely, you might just hear the rumble of a passing train. The back of Jardín de Infantes 220 faces the railway line, a constant reminder of its connection to the railway company. The architectural style is a fascinating blend of industrial elements, like the exposed brick and window profiles, and the restrained Victorian historicism characteristic of English homes of that period. In 2000, A.F.E., the national railway company, loaned the building to C.E.I.P. to be used as an early childhood education center for 4 and 5-year-olds from Schools No. 34 and 166. Jardín de Infantes 220 continued to grow. In 2001, it welcomed 4-year-olds from School No. 258. The school officially became Jardín de Infantes No. 365 in 2002. A further honor came in 2003, when the TICCIH (International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage) declared the Peñarol neighborhood an Industrial Heritage site. In 2005, the garden was renamed “Atahualpa del Cioppo” and began accepting 3-year-olds. Jardín de Infantes 220 isn’t simply a school; it’s a testament to the rich history of Peñarol and the enduring power of education.