Italian Hospital of Montevideo
Encyclopedia
The Italian Hospital of Montevideo, whose official name is Ospedale italiano Umberto I, is a clinic and sanatorium founded in 1890 near Parque Batlle
, Montevideo
. It lies just to the north of the 1830 obelisk
and the Hospital Pereira Rossell
. The building, of the late neoclassical
style, is the work of architect Luis Andreoni
.
The structure, as well as the pillars supporting the basis on which the original model, are the result of a process of construction tardío en a city that, in essence, had just started to expand in the last part of the 18th century, with the arrival of immigrants from Europe
after the end of the internal wars and the independence war of the new country.
The hospital functions, since then, almost continually for more than 110 years. Its deterioration in time has brought the need for restoration to many of its facilities, including the side and rear facades, which was done with funding supplied jointly by the Uruguayan and Italian governments in 2003.
The foundation of the hospital in a non-fortified area, commissioned by the Italian Embassy in Montevideo, was executed after nearly a decade of work. The initial objective of the institution created under the supervision and direction of the italo-uruguayan architect Luis Andreoni
, was to provide basic health services, to confront the high percentage of infant mortality
, product of the scarcity of resources and of public access to hospitals. The opening ceremony, in 1890, attracted a large number of Uruguayan citizens and foreigners. Around the perimeter of Parque Batlle, were raised more than fifty flags of the former Kingdom of Italy.
Later on, in the beginning of the 19th century, taking part in the battles for independence and headed by the Italian military leader Giuseppe Garibaldi
, many of his compatriots were attracted by the ideas embodied by the leader of Gallic origin. The political movement in which subscribed equally rioplatenses, criollos and Italians is now known as "corriente garibaldina". From the work and management of garibaldi, several tributes emerged to his figure, among which one avenue in Montevideo which bears his name, a monument in his memory in the city of Salto
and an italian hospital
in Buenos Aires
.
Around the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, arrived a third wave of immigrants from Italy. This is known commonly as the "migración transformadora", because during this period, Uruguay experienced significant changes in style and quality of life of its population. The Italians that arrived at this stage, as well as in the fourth and final stage, the post-world war, made great contributions in the architecture
and the national cuisine. In this cultural background follows the foundation of the Italian hospital, which dates during the last decade of the 19th century, and that has for name that of the second monarch of the Italian peninsula, king Umberto I.
In the interior of the country, although the Italian influence was more isolated, various organizations were founded with the aim of spreading and maintaining the cultural element of that European country. In Paysandú
took place a most pronounced change, as it is currently estimated that 60% of its population is of Italian origin or descent. Among the most prominent societies they formed are included the Unione e Benevolenza, the Scuola Italiana and the more recent Federazione Italiana de Paysandú.
in Madrid
, work of Francesco Sabatini
.
The architect responsible for directing and planning this structure of historicist
influence was Luis Andreoni, also responsible for the foundation of the Estación Central General Artigas
and the Club Uruguay. He is based on a procedure as much artistic as scientific
in accuracy, characteristic of an era in with scarce economic resources. In this sense, the Italian hospital is one of the first representatives of progressive
art in Uruguay
, of a simplistic and objective trait, that was the opposite of the subjectivity and decorum that had characterized the earlier stages, which were seeing slight revival in the building of the Palacio Legislativo of Montevideo, also by italian architects, in 1925.
The roman style columns, constructed on top of a firm base and in exact geometric placement, in two of the four sides of construction, enhance the concept of unity between art and science, typical of late neoclassicism. In an effort to revive a classic model, materials such as marble
, granite
and azulejo
are used, imported from Europe, to recreate an image that combines the nuances of ancient art with the advances of modern science. Finally, the wing on the side of Artigas Boulevard, known as the "Passiva of the Hospital Italiano", is a bracket of bronze sculptures and figures that commemorate great personalities of both Italy and Uruguay. The bust in honor of national hero José Gervasio Artigas
also stands next to the hospital.
The hospital covers an approximate overall area of 30000 sqm, and its age, of more than 110 years, place it among one of the oldest active hospitals of Montevideo and the country. It is located at the intersection of Italia Avenue Artigas Boulevard, with entrances on Jorge Canning Street. The installation is divided into two zones for specific purposes: hospital and sanatorium. The maternity section is on the first floor, while the general out-patient clinic and the surgery takes place on the second floor.
Currently the maternity is open (continuously since its founding) and there have been added new specialties in the field of surgery
, and technological advances. Operations and kidney transplantation are some of the techniques implemented more recently.
Despite the physical deterioration of the facility and the sequestration (because of debts) that happened in early 2004, joint efforts by representatives of the government
Italian in Uruguay, and of the Uruguayan Medical Union (Sindicato Médico Uruguayo) (SMU) have been able to counter the debt and the deterioration of the hospital, bringing donations for the renovation and improvement of its interior and exterior. The work was approved by the directors of the hospital, Jorge Renato Massa and Azzoni.
Parque Batlle
Parque Batlle is a barrio and a major public central park in Montevideo, Uruguay. It is named in honour of José Batlle y Ordóñez, President of Uruguay from 1911–1915...
, Montevideo
Montevideo
Montevideo is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. The settlement was established in 1726 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, as a strategic move amidst a Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the platine region, and as a counter to the Portuguese colony at Colonia del Sacramento...
. It lies just to the north of the 1830 obelisk
Obelisk of Montevideo
The Obelisk of Montevideo, officially listed as the Obelisco a los Constituyentes de 1830, is a monument, work of the sculptor José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín . It is a three sided obelisk made of granite, 40 meters tall with 3 bronze statues on its sides, representing "Law", "Liberty" and "Force"...
and the Hospital Pereira Rossell
Hospital Pereira Rossell
Hospital Pereira Rossell is a hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay. It is located in the barrio of Parque Batlle, just west of the park of the same name. It was founded in 1908 and was built on land donated in late 1900 by Alexis Rossell y Rius and Dolores Pereira de Rossell...
. The building, of the late neoclassical
Neoclassical architecture
Neoclassical architecture was an architectural style produced by the neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century, manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament, and in its architectural formulas as an outgrowth of some classicizing...
style, is the work of architect Luis Andreoni
Luis Andreoni
Luigi Andreoni or Luis Andreoni was an Italian engineer and architect of outstanding performance in Uruguay....
.
The structure, as well as the pillars supporting the basis on which the original model, are the result of a process of construction tardío en a city that, in essence, had just started to expand in the last part of the 18th century, with the arrival of immigrants from Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
after the end of the internal wars and the independence war of the new country.
The hospital functions, since then, almost continually for more than 110 years. Its deterioration in time has brought the need for restoration to many of its facilities, including the side and rear facades, which was done with funding supplied jointly by the Uruguayan and Italian governments in 2003.
History
After the war of independence, Uruguay retained gaps in its political, economic and social development. Not until the mid-nineteenth century, did Uruguay manage to put an end to a series of irregularities that were not helpful in solving the internal party crisis.The foundation of the hospital in a non-fortified area, commissioned by the Italian Embassy in Montevideo, was executed after nearly a decade of work. The initial objective of the institution created under the supervision and direction of the italo-uruguayan architect Luis Andreoni
Luis Andreoni
Luigi Andreoni or Luis Andreoni was an Italian engineer and architect of outstanding performance in Uruguay....
, was to provide basic health services, to confront the high percentage of infant mortality
Infant mortality
Infant mortality is defined as the number of infant deaths per 1000 live births. Traditionally, the most common cause worldwide was dehydration from diarrhea. However, the spreading information about Oral Re-hydration Solution to mothers around the world has decreased the rate of children dying...
, product of the scarcity of resources and of public access to hospitals. The opening ceremony, in 1890, attracted a large number of Uruguayan citizens and foreigners. Around the perimeter of Parque Batlle, were raised more than fifty flags of the former Kingdom of Italy.
Italian Immigration
The first Italian immigrants that arrived in the eastern province, did so in the times of colonial Spain. The majority of them originated from Genoa, Naples, Venecia and Sicily.Later on, in the beginning of the 19th century, taking part in the battles for independence and headed by the Italian military leader Giuseppe Garibaldi
Giuseppe Garibaldi
Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian military and political figure. In his twenties, he joined the Carbonari Italian patriot revolutionaries, and fled Italy after a failed insurrection. Garibaldi took part in the War of the Farrapos and the Uruguayan Civil War leading the Italian Legion, and...
, many of his compatriots were attracted by the ideas embodied by the leader of Gallic origin. The political movement in which subscribed equally rioplatenses, criollos and Italians is now known as "corriente garibaldina". From the work and management of garibaldi, several tributes emerged to his figure, among which one avenue in Montevideo which bears his name, a monument in his memory in the city of Salto
Salto
Salto may refer to:*Salto, a Latin word for "to leap/jump", and in gymnastics refers to a somersault* Glasflügel H-101 "Salto" -Organisations:...
and an italian hospital
Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires
The Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is a private hospital in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. It has 500 beds and serves around 2,000 inpatients per month. Its main facilities cover a surface area of 78,000 m² . The hospital treats both private patients and those derived by social security...
in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
.
Around the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, arrived a third wave of immigrants from Italy. This is known commonly as the "migración transformadora", because during this period, Uruguay experienced significant changes in style and quality of life of its population. The Italians that arrived at this stage, as well as in the fourth and final stage, the post-world war, made great contributions in the architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
and the national cuisine. In this cultural background follows the foundation of the Italian hospital, which dates during the last decade of the 19th century, and that has for name that of the second monarch of the Italian peninsula, king Umberto I.
In the interior of the country, although the Italian influence was more isolated, various organizations were founded with the aim of spreading and maintaining the cultural element of that European country. In Paysandú
Paysandú
-Transportation:The city is served by Tydeo Larre Borges International Airport.-Climate:Paysandú has a humid subtropical climate, described by the Köppen climate classification as Cfa. Summers are warm to hot and winters are cool, with the occurrence of frosts and fog...
took place a most pronounced change, as it is currently estimated that 60% of its population is of Italian origin or descent. Among the most prominent societies they formed are included the Unione e Benevolenza, the Scuola Italiana and the more recent Federazione Italiana de Paysandú.
Architecture
The hospital is built in the neoclassical architectural style, which has its origins in Italy. From this architectural phase come other famous monuments, like the Puerta de AlcaláPuerta de Alcalá
The Puerta de Alcalá is a Neo-classical monument in the Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid, Spain. It stands near the city center and several meters away from the main entrance to the Parque del Buen Retiro...
in Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
, work of Francesco Sabatini
Francesco Sabatini
Francesco Sabatini , also known as Francisco Sabatini, was an Italian architect of the 18th century who worked in Spain.-Biography:Born in Palermo, he studied architecture in Rome...
.
The architect responsible for directing and planning this structure of historicist
Historicism (art)
Historicism refers to artistic styles that draw their inspiration from copying historic styles or artisans. After neo-classicism, which could itself be considered a historicist movement, the 19th century saw a new historicist phase marked by a return to a more ancient classicism, in particular in...
influence was Luis Andreoni, also responsible for the foundation of the Estación Central General Artigas
Estación Central General Artigas
Estación Central General Artigas is the former central railway station of Montevideo, Uruguay, situated in Aguada.Designed by the Italian engineer and architect Luigi Andreoni, it was opened to the public on the 15th of July 1897 and was closed on the 1st of March 2003.-External links:*...
and the Club Uruguay. He is based on a procedure as much artistic as scientific
Scientific method
Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of...
in accuracy, characteristic of an era in with scarce economic resources. In this sense, the Italian hospital is one of the first representatives of progressive
Progressivism
Progressivism is an umbrella term for a political ideology advocating or favoring social, political, and economic reform or changes. Progressivism is often viewed by some conservatives, constitutionalists, and libertarians to be in opposition to conservative or reactionary ideologies.The...
art in Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
, of a simplistic and objective trait, that was the opposite of the subjectivity and decorum that had characterized the earlier stages, which were seeing slight revival in the building of the Palacio Legislativo of Montevideo, also by italian architects, in 1925.
The roman style columns, constructed on top of a firm base and in exact geometric placement, in two of the four sides of construction, enhance the concept of unity between art and science, typical of late neoclassicism. In an effort to revive a classic model, materials such as marble
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite.Geologists use the term "marble" to refer to metamorphosed limestone; however stonemasons use the term more broadly to encompass unmetamorphosed limestone.Marble is commonly used for...
, granite
Granite
Granite is a common and widely occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock. Granite usually has a medium- to coarse-grained texture. Occasionally some individual crystals are larger than the groundmass, in which case the texture is known as porphyritic. A granitic rock with a porphyritic...
and azulejo
Azulejo
Azulejo from the Arabic word Zellige زليج is a form of Portuguese or Spanish painted, tin-glazed, ceramic tilework. They have become a typical aspect of Portuguese culture, having been produced without interruption for five centuries...
are used, imported from Europe, to recreate an image that combines the nuances of ancient art with the advances of modern science. Finally, the wing on the side of Artigas Boulevard, known as the "Passiva of the Hospital Italiano", is a bracket of bronze sculptures and figures that commemorate great personalities of both Italy and Uruguay. The bust in honor of national hero José Gervasio Artigas
José Gervasio Artigas
José Gervasio Artigas is a national hero of Uruguay, sometimes called "the father of Uruguayan nationhood".-Early life:Artigas was born in Montevideo on June 19, 1764...
also stands next to the hospital.
The hospital covers an approximate overall area of 30000 sqm, and its age, of more than 110 years, place it among one of the oldest active hospitals of Montevideo and the country. It is located at the intersection of Italia Avenue Artigas Boulevard, with entrances on Jorge Canning Street. The installation is divided into two zones for specific purposes: hospital and sanatorium. The maternity section is on the first floor, while the general out-patient clinic and the surgery takes place on the second floor.
Medical Services
The Italian hospital has always occupied a leading role in the field of Uruguayan medicine. The medical service is private but directly depends on the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and as such, also offers low cost treatment for the second level and the terminally ill. Medical consultations are often conducted by appointment of the mutual "Universal de Montevideo".Currently the maternity is open (continuously since its founding) and there have been added new specialties in the field of surgery
Surgery
Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...
, and technological advances. Operations and kidney transplantation are some of the techniques implemented more recently.
Despite the physical deterioration of the facility and the sequestration (because of debts) that happened in early 2004, joint efforts by representatives of the government
Government
Government refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized...
Italian in Uruguay, and of the Uruguayan Medical Union (Sindicato Médico Uruguayo) (SMU) have been able to counter the debt and the deterioration of the hospital, bringing donations for the renovation and improvement of its interior and exterior. The work was approved by the directors of the hospital, Jorge Renato Massa and Azzoni.