Palacio Salvo

Palacio Salvo is a 29-floor building in Plaza Independencia in Montevideo that rises 95 meters above the square with geometric decorations and four connecting domes at its central intersection point. The floors contain private residences and office spaces linked by six elevators.

Construction began in 1922 under architect Mario Palanti and replaced the Confiteria La Giralda, where the tango La Cumparsita originated in 1917. Completion came in 1928 and the building stood as the tallest in South America at that time.

The building holds the Tango Museum of Montevideo and preserves the musical legacy of La Cumparsita along with artifacts from Uruguayan tango history. Visitors can see how this dance shaped local identity and continues to influence the cultural life of the city today.

Six elevators provide access to different floors, with lower levels open to the public and upper sections reserved for private residences and offices. A visit during daytime hours offers the best opportunity to explore the exterior facade and accessible interior areas.

The original plan included an Italian-made lighthouse at the summit meant to reach 100 kilometers. Later, however, antennas were installed that replaced this originally planned feature.

Location: Montevideo

Inception: 1922

Architects: Mario Palanti

Official opening: 1928

Architectural style: Art Deco architecture

Floors above the ground: 29

Elevators: 6

GPS coordinates: -34.90673,-56.19831

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:50