Casa de Gobierno (Government House), Santa Cruz de la Sierra

The Government House is a notable landmark with a rich history and significant architectural value. The site originally housed the city's first cinema, "Cine Roma," which opened in 1912 and showcased silent films typical of that era. This cinema was a cultural hub in its time, providing a glimpse into early 20th-century entertainment in Santa Cruz.

Between 1948 and 1950, the Iturralde Levy brothers constructed the current building on this site, adopting a unique blend of Neo-Colonial and Art-Deco styles. This architectural choice was distinctive and somewhat unconventional for Santa Cruz at the time, a city characterized by dusty streets and a lack of basic urban infrastructure. The building's design and construction, utilizing reinforced concrete, marked a significant development in the city's architectural landscape, reflecting a symbolic and monumental ambition.

In 1995, the building was repurposed as the Departmental Prefecture, restoring its urban prestige and reinforcing its symbolic importance in the region. It became known as the Prefectural Palace and served as a central location for departmental governance. Today, it is the headquarters of the Autonomous Departmental Government of Santa Cruz, playing a crucial role in the civic, political, and cultural life of the city.