Palacio Salvo

The Palacio Salvo is an iconic building in Montevideo, dominating the city's skyline at Plaza Independencia. It was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti and built between 1922 and 1928. The project was commissioned by the Salvo brothers, who intended to create a building that would serve as both a hotel and office space. Upon its completion, it was the tallest building in South America, standing at 100 meters (including its antenna). Its unique eclectic style blends Art Deco, Neo-Gothic, and Neoclassical elements. The location holds historical significance, as it was built on the site where the Confitería La Giralda once stood, the place where Gerardo Matos Rodríguez composed the famous tango 'La Cumparsita' in 1917. Although the plan to operate a luxury hotel never fully materialized, the Palacio Salvo became a mixed-use building with offices and private residences. Despite initial criticism, the building has become a beloved landmark of Montevideo and a symbol of the city, known for its distinctive silhouette and rich cultural 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.

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.

Legislative Palace

The monumental seat of the General Assembly of Uruguay, known for its neoclassical architecture.

More places

Independence Square

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

Estévez Palace

A historic building on Plaza Independencia that once served as the seat of the President of Uruguay.

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.

General Artigas Central Station

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

Cabildo of Montevideo

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

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.