El monumental Cuartel Mariano Montilla // The monumental Mariano Montilla Barracks
The city of La Victoria, located in the state of Aragua, was the cradle of great historical events transcendental for the independence of Venezuela, in the first place was where Juan Vicente Bolivar was born and Ponte father of the most universal of Venezuelans, the Liberator Simon Bolivar. Also in this city were staged several battles in the war for independence, one of them (the most important), was the Battle of La Victoria in 1814, which involved a good number of students from the capital city, Caracas, so it is also known as the battle of the youth, which was led by General José Félix Ribas, uncle of the Liberator. This serene city, it is welcoming and full of architectural constructions of great importance; today we are going to describe one of these monuments that is emblematic in this city: The Mariano Montilla Barracks.
Perhaps, for being a native of these lands, I could say that it is the most beautiful and imposing barracks of our country, it was created by a decree of the then president of Venezuela, General Cipriano Castro, who was nicknamed "El Cabito", due to his short stature. It was on June 21, 1904 and the first stone was laid on July 5 (National Independence Day) of the same year. The work was entrusted to the engineer Luis Mantellini who began its construction immediately, but the construction works were paralyzed due to the fall of General Castro's government, which was taken over by his friend and compadre General Juan Vicente Gómez, who assumed the presidency of the country for 27 years, until his death in 1935. Gómez’s successor, also General Eleazar Lopez Contreras, resumed the construction of this work, with the same architect who started it and inaugurated it on July 4, 1937, 85 years ago. It was later decreed a National Historic Monument on December 7, 1978, by President Carlos Andrés Pérez, for having been the headquarters of different military components, this is highlighted by journalist Simón Henrique López in an article published in the newspaper El Clarín.
The site where this beautiful fortress was built is located on Montilla Street in front and 5 de Julio Street on the side, in La Victoria, municipality of José Félix Ribas, Aragua State. The Hospital of the nuns used to function there, but had to be moved to the north of the city. The building was conceived as a two-story fort whose bases are formed by stones extracted from the Calanche and Aragua rivers and from the "La Calera" mine, superimposed on top of each other, attached by a mixture of cement and sand. The original floors were made of mosaics, but were replaced later when they deteriorated during the time that the construction was stopped. In its interior it contains several divisions, in the second floor as well as in the second one, at the moment they work there the School of Professional Troops of the General Army "José Félix Ribas" and headquarters of the Battalion of Formation of Officers of Reserve of the same eponym, reason why the monument is assigned to the Ministry of the Defense for its conservation, in addition the School of Military Bands of the National Bolivarian Army works there.
In front of this majestic palace is the square with the same name, with a pedestal where the statue of this distinguished hero of the Independence rests, which complements the tribute to the noble soldier who at the age of 32 attended the heroic defense of La Victoria and at 48 was one of the few who in a room in San Pedro Alejandrino accompanied the Liberator Simón Bolívar in his last moment. It was Mariano Montilla who exclaimed without being able to hold back his tears that December 17, 1830: "The Sun of Colombia has died", as the city's chronicler, Dr. German Freitas Núñez, 81 years old, who I am honored to be his friend, tells us. This square has a much more modern terracotta floor and is flanked by gardens with lots of vegetation and giant palm trees, built a few meters higher than the surrounding streets.
It is really impressive this monument and the giant contrast it makes today with the modern buildings that surround it, its large windows throughout its facade, its viewpoints, its huge main door, made as a representation of the political power of the time, its stone columns built as a kind of towers with viewpoints, to observe all its surroundings and to be able to warn of any enemy attack. Since this is how this work was originally conceived, for the defense of the city, since General Cipriano Castro had a predilection for La Victoria and even intended to turn it into the capital of the country (statement highlighted by Dr. German Fleitas Núñez in his speeches about Cipriano Castro).. Also impressive in its interior is its large central courtyard, where graduation ceremonies and other cultural activities are held, bordered by double columns that form the bases of the second floor.
During its 85 years this fortress baptized as General Mariano Montilla Barracks, different battalions of the National Army have been billeted there, such as the Rafael Urdaneta Infantry Battalion, the Páez, Bravos de Apure, Montilla, Carabobo, Cedeño, 5 de Julio, Cazadores del Británico and Bartolomé Salom battalions; In addition to having served as headquarters to different military units, it has also been used as a cultural space where plastic exhibitions of famous artists, concerts of singers and musical groups of the stature of Jesús Sevillano, Alfredo Sadel, the choral society and the student band of the Universidad Central de Venezuela, as well as multiple conferences of historical and other nature have been presented. It is also a place of permanent visit for the student population of this municipality and the surrounding municipalities, not to mention the various public and private institutions, which from all over the country organize activities to learn about the most important work of this city. When you come to Venezuela, come to the city of La Victoria and get to know it yourself.
https://twitter.com/hcmj2005/status/1546597468376268802
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Amazing this barracks, and what a history! I've been to La Victoria many times and didn't know it, thanks for sharing! Greetings!!!
Hello, yes it is impressive, it is also surrounded by other very interesting constructions. When you return to La Victoria be sure to visit it. Thanks
Hello @simajo2022. This is one of the most interesting military buildings I've seen not only because of its fort-like construction but also due to its striking terracotta color finishes. I find the white bands of stone materials quite neat with the way the other accented details are reinforced on its exterior facades. A majestic and historic edifice indeed. 😊
This building was built as part of the fortification for the defense of President Cipriano Castro, who built other emblematic buildings in this city. Thank you
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