Estévez Palace

The Estévez Palace, located on Plaza Independencia in Montevideo, is a building of great political and architectural significance. Designed in 1873 by architect Manoel de Castel in a Neoclassical style, it was originally built as a residence for businessman Francisco Estévez. In 1878, the government acquired the building to serve as the seat of the executive branch. From 1880 until 1985, the Estévez Palace was the official workplace for the presidents of Uruguay, and many of the nation's most important 20th-century political events unfolded here. Following the civic-military dictatorship, President Julio María Sanguinetti decided to move the seat of government to the adjacent Executive Tower (Torre Ejecutiva), preserving the palace as a ceremonial site and museum. Today, it houses the Museo de la Casa de Gobierno (Museum of the Government House), displaying historical artifacts, presidential portraits, and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Its facade and elegant interiors stand as a testament to Uruguay's rich political history.

Nearby cities

Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay.

History & landmarks

Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas

An impressive mausoleum in Plaza Independencia housing the remains of the national hero.

Palacio Salvo

This iconic building on Plaza Independencia was once the tallest in South America.

Solís Theatre

The oldest theatre in Uruguay, playing an important role in the cultural life of Montevideo.

Metropolitan Cathedral

The main Catholic church in Montevideo, located on the Plaza de la Constitución.

Santos Palace

The headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, an impressive historic building in Montevideo.

Taranco Palace

An elegant French-style palace in the Old City that houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.

Telecommunications Tower

A modern skyscraper and the tallest building in Uruguay, used by Antel.

Port Market

A historic market hall in the Old City of Montevideo, famous for its barbecue restaurants.

More places

Independence Square

The most important square in Montevideo, forming the border between the old city and the new city center.

Gateway of the Citadel

One of the few remaining parts of the city wall that protected colonial Montevideo.

Solís Theatre

The oldest and most important theater in Uruguay, opened in 1856 with classical architecture.

Cabildo of Montevideo

The historic city hall where the first constitution of Uruguay was signed in 1830.

General Artigas Central Station

The abandoned historic central station of Montevideo, which opened in 1897 and is an architectural jewel.

Lavalleja's House

The colonial residence of Juan Antonio Lavalleja, a national hero of Uruguay, which now serves as a museum.

House of Fructuoso Rivera

The former residence of the first president of Uruguay, now an important branch of the National Historical Museum.

Taranco Palace

A magnificent palace of French architecture in Montevideo, which now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.