Palacio Salvo

About

An iconic Art Deco building and former tallest building in South America, now a symbol of Montevideo's skyline.

The Palacio Salvo stands on Plaza Independencia in Montevideo, Uruguay, at number 848. It is an Art Deco building and was, in its day, the tallest building in South America. Today it remains one of the clearest symbols of the Montevideo skyline, and many visitors come to see it as much for what it represents as for its architecture.

What to expect

The building is best appreciated from the outside. Its Art Deco form rises above the plaza and is easy to spot from across the city, so a walk around the square gives a good sense of its scale and its place in the urban landscape. Because the facts available here describe it mainly as a landmark, it is worth approaching it as a place to look at and photograph rather than a site with a defined programme of exhibits.

Around the plaza

  • Plaza Independencia, the open square where the building is set, is the natural starting point for a visit.
  • The square connects to the historic centre of Montevideo, so the Palacio Salvo fits well into a walk through the older part of the city.
  • Its skyline presence makes it a useful reference point for orienting yourself in the centre.

The Palacio Salvo, also known as the Salvo Palace, suits visitors interested in architecture, urban history and the character of Montevideo. It is a short, focused stop that works well alongside a wider exploration of the city centre.

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