Montero Palace
The Montero Palace is an eclectic-historicist building located in the Centro neighborhood of Montevideo, Uruguay. Built in the 1920s on the north side of Plaza de Cagancha, the building is best known for having hosted the renowned Sorocabana ''Café'' on its ground floor for half a century.
History
The Montero Palace was designed by architect Alberto Trigo in an eclectic historicist style. The period of the 1920s and 1930s is considered part of the Belle Époque in Montevideo, marked by the construction of numerous buildings, theaters, and cafés in European architectural styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau.The building was designed as a residential complex, incorporating a commercial space on its ground floor. In 1939, it became home to Café Sorocabana, which became a prominent meeting place for intellectuals, politicians, and journalists who engaged in discussions and social gatherings. As a result, the building has been popularly known as ever since, despite the café closing in 1989.
In 1995 it was designated as a heritage site by the Intendancy of Montevideo. It currently houses residences and offices, while the street level accommodates various establishments, including an ice cream parlor facing 18 de Julio Avenue and a bar-restaurant overlooking Plaza de Cagancha along its ring road.