Manga

Hidden within Montevideo lies Manga. It’s more than just a neighborhood. It’s a whisper of history, a place where time seems to slow down, echoing tales of Uruguay’s past. Manga, a shortened version of “Mangangá”, first appeared in documents as early as 1780. Back then, it was a tranquil escape for Uruguay’s political figures and aristocracy, seeking respite in their country homes. Imagine sprawling fields, dotted with willow and quince trees, a peaceful landscape that has transformed over the centuries. Manga’s first recorded resident was Esteban Artigas, son of Captain Juan Antonio Artigas. He received a chacra (a small farm) as a gift from the Spanish government in the late 18th century. The area was then called “Pago del arroyo de Sierra,” named after a local resident. The chacra “Mangafue” changed hands over the years, eventually belonging to Marcos Drapple. He advertised its sale in 1834, describing a salting house called “Los Dos Hermanos.” The property included two buildings: one with sixteen rooms, a store, a slaughterhouse, and storage for hides and grains. The other building was used for stacking meat. The advertisement highlighted the good grazing lands, the trees, and the fenced fields, painting a picture of a prosperous farm. Later, Luis Fernández bought the property, continuing the agricultural activity he had already established there with his brother. Manga was also home to prominent figures like Bernardo Prudencio Berro, a former President of Uruguay, who often worked the land himself. Even Boiso Lanza, Uruguay’s first aviation martyr, lived in Manga. His castillete, a small castle-like structure built by his father-in-law, still stands today. In the late 19th century, the railway arrived in Manga. The “Treinta y Tres” station, opened in 1890, connected the area to Minas, Melo, and Treinta y Tres. Today, the station remains, a testament to Manga’s evolving history, now serving primarily for cargo transport. The neighborhood also boasts the “Potros y Palmas” equestrian society, founded in 1945. It keeps alive the traditions of horse breeding and riding, a reminder of Manga’s rural heritage. Over time, Manga urbanized, yet it retains a unique tranquility. The bustling avenues of José Belloni and Instrucciones contrast with the pockets of green that hint at the nearby countryside. Manga’s history whispers from every corner, a blend of rural charm and urban development, a place where the past and present coexist.