PUENTE CASTELLS AND CAPILLA DE NARBONA

At km 263 of Highway 21, overlooking a river called arroyo de las Viboras, there is a bridge, the Puente Castells, which was built in 1853. On July 5, 1853, the government of the Republic authorized the Progresso de Montevideo company, represented by Jaime Castells, to use the water of the Viboras River to operate a mill for wheat.

The following year, the same company was commissioned to build a road between Carmelo and Nueva Palmira and a bridge over the aforementioned river. Once built, the mill was only in operation for a short time, as its capacity was far too great for the local production. Its walls are still standing, full of charm. We can also see the remains of a river detour to supply the mill with water. As for the bridge with its 5 stone arches, it impresses by its elegance and its solidity. It was inaugurated in 1858. A path of stone and sand takes us, trotting gently to the right, to the colonial ruins of the estancia and chapel of Narbona, located on top of a small hill surrounded by ombúes and talas. On the way back, the view allows you to see the plain, the road and, in the distance, the Rio de la Plata. The estancia of Narbona is one of the oldest testimonies of the colonial period. It is classified today as a historical monument.

La Casona (the residence). The building, built lengthwise from east to west, is a succession of large rooms with windows open to the south and doors to the north. Its roof, previously covered with tiles, is high. The walls, whose size is proportional to the building, are also made of tiles and reach one meter in width. The building is surmounted by a three-story tower located in its center, whose walls had an initial thickness of two meters.

La Capilla (the chapel). The chapel, built in a very old missionary style, welcomes you from its patio, offering a view of what remains of its nave, the Virgin of La Candelaria, with her large eyes staring at the damp walls, and finally the temple hidden in the darkness. It was erected on August 16, 1870 by several Montevideo citizens who were forced to leave the city because of a yellow fever epidemic. They were grateful to have escaped the disease and built the chapel as a sign of their gratitude. Since then, a mass is celebrated every 16th of the month.