Pocitos is politically included in the CH Municipality of Montevideo, and located along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, it is one of the most famous beaches in the city.[1] The neighborhood is an affluent area of the city, characterized by the presence of high-rise apartment buildings facing the Rambla and the main boulevards, together with old neoclassical and eclectic mansions.[2]
History
Gran Hotel Pocitos and the tram in the 1910s.
The neighborhood emerged as a seaside resort in the 19th century, but it was formally inaugurated in 1886, under the name of Nuestra Señora de los Pocitos.[3] The name is due to the habit of washerwomen going to the beach to wash their clothes, for which they made wells (Spanish: Pozos) in the clean sand.[4] Initially it was an independent town from the city, but over time it was absorbed with the urban expansion of Montevideo.[5]
In 1906, a tram line was inaugurated that connected the Customs House in the Ciudad Vieja with Pocitos.[6] This increased the popularity of the area, which became more accessible to the inhabitants of the downtown area of the city. In addition, the eclectic-style Gran Hotel Pocitos was built, which was a symbol of social status at the time.[7] The building was partially destroyed due to a storm in 1923 and years later it closed permanently.[8]
Rambla of Pocitos in 1954
In the 1920s and 1930s it became a residential area, due to the construction of a large number of private residences of European architecture. In 1921 a multipurpose stadium was built in the area, which was one of the venues of the first FIFA World Cup held in 1930, and site of the first goal in World Cup history.[9] In the following years there was a great real estate development, and by the 1950s, Pocitos already surpassed Centro in number of apartment buildings.[10]
Pocitos increased its population to a great extent, ranking as one of the districts with the highest population density and highest real estate prices.[11]
Pocitos Beach
Aerial view of Pocitos Beach
Pocitos Beach is located on the coast of the Río de la Plata, an area with waters with a high level of salinity and waves.[12] It is a very crowded beach during the summer season, as it is popular for sports. In the eastern zone stands the Arenas del Plata Stadium, a venue for beach sports for more than 2,500 spectators.[13] The Pocitos Rambla is 2 kilometers long, and on it are yacht clubs and restaurants.[14]
Landmarks
Pocitos is connected to the central business district by Spain Boulevard and Brazil Avenue.[15] On them are located a large number of architecturally notable buildings that combine different styles, such as eclecticism and neoclassical.[16] In turn, many embassies are located in the area, in old mansions from the late 19th century and early 20th century.[17]
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