Palacio Santos, Cultural heritage monument in Montevideo, Uruguay
Palacio Santos is a classical building in Montevideo featuring ornate details, marble elements, and two interior courtyards lit by glass skylights. The structure displays a symmetrical facade along Avenida 18 de Julio and preserves the formal elegance typical of 19th-century design.
Constructed in 1884 by architect Ezequiel Bergese, the palace initially served as the residence of President Maximo Santos. It later became the seat of executive government from 1931 to 1934 before taking on its current role with the Foreign Ministry.
The palace functions as the home of Uruguay's Foreign Ministry and displays its splendor through the Ceremonial Hall with historical furnishings and the Florentine Hall featuring restored murals. These rooms shape the experience of walking through a classical building where the country's diplomatic work unfolds.
The building can be visited through organized guided tours that allow exploration of its classical architecture and artistic elements. Visitors should wear appropriate attire and be prepared to navigate multiple rooms and staircases during their visit.
Archaeological digs in the 1970s revealed a tunnel system beneath the palace linking it to neighboring buildings. These underground passages were common in buildings of that era and demonstrate the practical planning of the period.
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