Legislative Palace of Uruguay, Montevideo

The Legislative Palace of Uruguay, located in the Aguada neighborhood of Montevideo, serves as a significant landmark and the primary meeting place of the General Assembly of Uruguay. This monumental building is not only the hub of the legislative activities of the Uruguayan government but also a celebrated architectural feat, declared a National Historic Monument in 1975.

The need for a new legislative building arose at the turn of the 20th century due to the inadequacies of the old headquarters, the Montevideo Cabildo. In response, a law was passed in 1902 to initiate an international competition for the design of a new legislative palace. The winning design was submitted by Italian architect Vittorio Meano, also known for his work on the Palace of the Argentine National Congress. Tragically, Meano died before he could be informed that his project had been selected. His plans, along with contributions from another Italian architect, Gaetano Moretti, and notable sculptor José Belloni, shaped the grandiose structure that stands today.

Construction began in 1904 under the auspices of President José Batlle y Ordoñez and spanned over two decades, culminating in the building's inauguration on August 25, 1925—exactly 100 years after Uruguay’s Declaration of Independence. This event was overseen by President José Serrato, although the building’s elaborate decorations were not fully completed until 1964.

Designed in a Greco-Roman eclecticist style, the palace features facades, interior walls, vaults, and columns extensively adorned with various Uruguayan marbles, showcasing the rich natural resources and artistic craftsmanship of the nation. The building houses three large halls, several adjoining rooms, and an upper floor that contains the Legislative Power Library, boasting over 250,000 volumes, alongside some parliamentary offices. The basement accommodates additional offices, storage spaces, and workshops for printing and binding.

The main facade of the Legislative Palace is strategically aligned with the axis of symmetry of Libertador Avenue, making it not only a center of governance but also a symbol of national pride and architectural heritage in Uruguay.