Palacio Salvo
Building Iconic 1920s high-rise landmark in Montevideo
A landmark tower on Montevideo’s Plaza Independencia, completed in 1928; visitors note its eclectic/Art Deco façade and its prominence in the city’s early 20th‑century skyline.
Palacio Salvo is a landmark high-rise building in Montevideo, Uruguay, located at Plaza Independencia at the junction of Ciudad Vieja and the central city. Designed by Mario Palanti and completed in 1928, it was for a time one of the tallest buildings in South America.
The building combines offices, former residential units and commercial ground-floor spaces and is notable for its eclectic, historicist exterior and prominent corner position. It is one of Montevideo’s most recognizable architectural icons and a frequent photographic subject.
Palacio Salvo stands at the eastern edge of the Ciudad Vieja neighbourhood, facing Plaza Independencia in central Montevideo.
- Architect and date: Designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti and completed in 1928, it became an iconic landmark overlooking Plaza Independencia in Montevideo.
How to Get to Palacio Salvo #
Palacio Salvo faces Plaza Independencia in central Montevideo, a short walk from Ciudad Vieja and the Avenida 18 de Julio. It’s reachable on foot from most central hotels and by city buses that stop near the plaza.
Tips for Visiting Palacio Salvo #
- Take the guided tour to reach upper floors and learn about the building's 1920s-30s design and 1930 inauguration.
- Visit around twilight for views across Montevideo and a sense of the city's layered skyline.
- Check opening hours - tower access is often by reservation only.
Best Time to Visit Palacio Salvo #
Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable sightseeing; summers are warm and festive.
Weather & Climate near Palacio Salvo #
Palacio Salvo's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (889 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 88 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
