Palácio das Cinzas, Government building in Dili, East Timor
The Palácio das Cinzas is a government building in Dili that currently functions as the headquarters of the Ministry of Health. It features simple, functional design with office spaces and administrative areas arranged for daily government operations.
The building served as a police station during Indonesian occupation before being heavily damaged in 1999. It was later restored and used as the presidential office from 2002 to 2009 before becoming the Ministry of Health headquarters.
The name Palace of Ashes reflects the building's connection to the destruction and rebuilding that followed the 1999 conflict. It now serves as a working government office where locals understand it as a symbol of recovery and national reconstruction.
The building is located in central Dili and is relatively easy to find. Keep in mind that it serves as an active government workplace, so access and visiting may be limited or restricted.
The first president deliberately chose this building with makeshift plywood screens as his office to demonstrate modesty during nation-building. This decision signaled a commitment to fiscal responsibility rather than grand displays of power.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
