Picture a flurry of signatures. This is how the story of Liceo 41 Presidente Oribe began. Back in the 1980s the Cerrito de la Victoria neighborhood deeply needed a high school. Neighbors started collecting signatures and engaging local schools. They wanted a high school built right here.
Liceo 41 Presidente Oribe finally began to function in 1991. It followed Plan 86. There were courses from 1st to 4th year, in morning, afternoon and evening shifts. The location where Liceo 41 Presidente Oribe was built is interesting. It was once a sports field belonging to C.A. Ciclón del Cerrito BF. This club even ran a street carnival stage on the field with the support of local residents. The stage helped fund the Baby Fútbol club. So some neighbors initially resisted the school’s construction.
In 1993, Law Nro. 16.407 officially named the high school “Presidente Oribe”. This honored Manuel Oribe who led the “Gobierno del Cerrito” during the Guerra Grande. President Dr. Luis A. Lacalle planned to inaugurate the school and place a bronze plaque on August 24, 1994. This date marked the anniversary of Brigadier General Don Manuel Oribe’s birth. However, the events at Hospital Filtro disrupted these plans.
Ultimately, the President could not attend the Liceo 41 Presidente Oribe inauguration. Instead, the plaque was sent by messenger. It was placed in the hall during a small internal ceremony.
Liceo 41 Presidente Oribe has two floors. Downstairs are four classrooms, a library and labs. You will also find the secretary’s office, the principal’s office, a staff room, bathrooms and the canteen on the ground floor. A central staircase leads to the upper floor. Here there are eight classrooms, bathrooms and administrative offices. The SUM or multi-purpose room is a striking feature. It is round. It sits atop columns and is highly glazed. It offers panoramic views of the city center and Montevideo Bay.
The neighborhood surrounding Liceo 41 Presidente Oribe also holds historical significance. Cerrito de la Victoria is located in the north-central part of Montevideo. It played a role in military sieges due to its small hill. Manuel Oribe’s forces were based here during the Guerra Grande from 1843 to 1851.
Many urban buses serve the area around Liceo 41 Presidente Oribe. These include lines 2, 144, 145, 155, 156, 158, 174, 195 and 199. Others are 306, 328, 329, 396, 456, 538, 169, 505 and 175.
From its beginnings rooted in community need to its unique architecture and historical context, Liceo 41 Presidente Oribe stands as a testament to the power of collective action. It is a place of learning, growth and community pride.