Ex Casa de Gobierno, National historical monument in Ushuaia, Argentina
The Ex Casa de Gobierno is a single-story white wooden building in Ushuaia with a centered balcony above the main entrance. Its interior contains eleven rooms connected by two corridors, two hallways, and two vestibules, all featuring stamped sheet metal ceilings and metal wall panels.
The building was constructed between 1890 and 1893 under architect Francesco Tamburini's direction and initially served as the residence for territorial governors of Tierra del Fuego. Throughout the 20th century, it was repurposed as a municipal hall, police station, and finally became the Provincial Legislature seat in 1983.
The building reflects how Ushuaia evolved over time, transforming from a residence into a civic center that served the community's changing needs. You can see how the space adapted to serve governors, then police, and finally lawmakers.
The building stands at Avenida Maipú 450 in central Ushuaia and is easily reached on foot from the downtown area. Visitors can observe the exterior architecture and explore the surrounding streets to understand its role in the city's development.
Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld noted in 1896 that the structure displayed surprisingly luxurious interior details despite its modest external appearance at such a remote southern location. His observation shows how wealth and ambition were visible even in this isolated region during that era.
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