The façade
Dense ornament.
Coolcaesar — CC BY-SA 3.0 · PLBechly — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mverocai — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ermell — CC BY-SA 4.0
Montevideo's emblem, a huge ornate tower about a hundred metres tall on Plaza Independencia, designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti and opened in 1928, when it was the tallest building in South America. Its dense façade blends several architectural styles: balconies, columns and small domes, crowned by a stepped tower top. Its design is said to draw on Dante's «Divine Comedy», its floors standing for stages of the journey. Palanti designed a similar building in Buenos Aires across the river. Today it holds flats and offices, and guided tours climb to the top for views over the city, the bay and the wide river. The best view of it is from the middle of Plaza Independencia or from Avenida 18 de Julio. Check tour times ahead, as places are limited. Montevideo is fairly calm, but watch your belongings in the old town at night and in crowded spots.
Dense ornament.
Bay views.
The best view.
Plaza Independencia, Montevideo
Plaza IndependenciaMontevideo's most important square, dividing the old town from the modern centre2 minutes walk
Puerta de la CiudadelaA massive stone gateway, the last surviving piece of the Spanish citadel that gu3 minutes walk4.5
Teatro SolísUruguay's leading theatre and one of South America's oldest, opened in 1856, wit3 minutes walk4.7
Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)Montevideo's oldest district, on a small peninsula between the bay and the wide 9 minutes walk
Palacio Taranco (Museum of Decorative Arts)An elegant French-style palace in the old town, built between 1908 and 1910 for 11 minutes walk4.8Yes, on guided tours with limited places that climb to the top, so book ahead and check times.