Time stood still. The Portal Cementerio Municipal de Pilar loomed before us. Its imposing presence spoke of ages past. Stories whispered from the weathered stone.
The Portal wasn’t always as it is now. It once boasted a magnificent central cross. This cross wasn’t merely decorative. It was a statement. Architect Francisco Salamone designed it in 1938. Salamone’s unique style is clearly visible in the original design. His vision was bold. Modern. A stark contrast to the colonial style imposed later.
The original portal was built of sturdy concrete. It was meant to endure. This special concrete breathed. It adapted to the changing climate. Its natural color was a soft. Tinted grey. The entrance was framed by two tall columns. These columns extended beyond the structure’s walls. They met the soaring cross above. Two circular windows flanked the entrance. These served as windows for the cemetery’s chapel and morgue. These details highlight Salamone’s attention to functionality.
However. Time and changing tastes altered the Portal’s appearance. Sometime between 1947 and 1950 the cross was demolished. The original design was irrevocably changed. The walls were straightened. Colonial-style additions were made. The original structure’s elegant lines were lost. The beautiful simplicity of Salamone’s vision was obscured.
Yet. Even in its altered state. the Portal whispers tales of its past glory. The original crucifix. although moved and altered. remains. It serves as a poignant reminder of what was lost. It’s a quiet testament to a visionary architect’s legacy. It stands as a symbol of the Portal Cementerio Municipal de Pilar’s rich and complex history. A history that continues to unfold.