- Address: Uruguay, Plaza Independencia 776, 11000 Montevideo
- Website: descubrimontevideo.uy
- Phone: +598 1505902
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10: 00-17: 00, Sat-Sun - closed
- Founded: 1874
The capital of Uruguay , Montevideo , has its incomparable charm of the European spirit in the expanses of Latin America. In the architecture of this city you can see almost all the famous styles and trends, and the buildings, built in different architectural directions, peacefully get along in close proximity to each other. Palais Estevez, located on Independence Square (Plaza de la Independencia) - this is confirmation.
A bit of history
Built in the distant 1874 in the colonial Doric style, the palace with a belvedere on the roof originally belonged to the family of Francisco Estevez. However, in 1890, after the ruin of the owner and the transfer of the premises to the ownership of the bank, the building was purchased by the government of the country in order to establish the residence of the president in it. This function was performed by Esteves Palace until 1985, when the president moved to a more spacious building next door (the former Ministry of Defense, now the Executive Tower), and here a museum was founded.
What is interesting in the Esteves palace?
If you find yourself in the Plaza Independencia, or Independence Square - the central square of Montevideo, - immediately draw attention to the modest two-story building next to the high-rise buildings. This is the Estevez Palace - the former presidential residence. On two floors of this classic building with rich interior decoration are presented all kinds of gifts that were presented to the presidents of this country, as well as their approximate.
Climbing up the elegant marble staircase to the second floor, you can see memorable signs, man-made interior items, certificates of honor - many evidences that confirm the friendly relations between Uruguay and other states. In 2009, the remains of the hero of the revolution, the founder of the state José Artigas, were transferred here from the mausoleum on the square. Since then, the building has received the second official name - the Building of José Artigas (Edificio José Artigas).
How to get to Estevez Palace?
You can reach Independence Square by any transport. All the buses follow through it, it's the city center. Also here are popular voyage taxis (remises), designed for several passengers. The cost of the trip is 150-200 pesos or $ 8-10.