Historic building · Montevidéu, Montevidéu
Palacio Salvo
Skyscraper of about 100 meters at Plaza Independencia, completed in 1928 and designed by the Italian Mario Palanti. It is one of the city's symbols and offers guided visits with access to the viewpoint.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palacio Salvo
Palacio Salvo is the best-known silhouette of Montevidéu. The building, on the corner of Plaza Independencia and Avenida 18 de Julio, was built between 1925 and 1928 to a design by Italian architect Mario Palanti. It has 101 meters of architectural height and reaches 105 meters with the beacon at the top.
The stepped central tower, the balconies and the ornate decoration make it a landmark of early 20th-century architecture on the Rio da Prata. Palanti also designed the Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires, and the two buildings are often compared.
The Salvo is a mixed-use building, with apartments and offices, so access to the interior is via guided tours. The tour usually goes through the lobby, former halls on the lower floors and a 1928 stained-glass window on the staircase, and climbs to the terrace and the viewpoint, from where you can see Plaza Independencia, the port, the Rambla and the Cerro.
Even without going in, it's worth observing the façade facing the square and Avenida 18 de Julio. At night the building is lit and appears in many photos of Plaza Independencia.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the guided tour; a few minutes to see the façade from the square.
Best time
Clear days favor the view from the viewpoint. The façade looks nice in the late afternoon and is illuminated at night.
How to get there
It is located in Plaza Independencia, on the corner with Avenida 18 de Julio. From Centro and Ciudad Vieja you can walk there.
Tip
Guided visits have limited times and availability and are usually in Spanish: confirm on site or in advance. The route includes stairs and is not recommended for those with mobility difficulties.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palacio Salvo
How tall is the Palacio Salvo?
It has an architectural height of 101 meters and about 105 meters including the beacon at the top. It was completed in 1928.
Can you go up the Palacio Salvo?
Yes, on guided visits that include the terrace and the lookout. Since the building is residential and commercial, there's no free access: check days and times before going.
Who designed the Palacio Salvo?
The Italian architect Mario Palanti, the same one who designed the Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires.
Where is the Palacio Salvo located?
On Plaza Independencia, at the corner with Avenida 18 de Julio, next to the Ciudad Vieja.
