Admire the Palacio Legislativo and glimpse an example of the graceful neoclassical architecture for which Argentina is famous. Walk through the richly decorated rooms where Salta’s government officials meet. Enjoy the greenery in the plaza next door.
View the ornate plaster details and sculptures on the building’s façade and note the prominent location of Salta’s coat of arms. See the three figures above the arched windows that represent Science, Work and Justice. You might observe that the scales of Justice are unbalanced, which historians believe to be a political statement by the workers who constructed the building.
Look for the winged lion statues that guard the front of the building and are the origin of the building’s local nickname, “House of Lions.” Gaze at the building by night to see the stunning light display or visit in the day to enjoy a look at the interior.
Walk through the arched entryway to arrive in an open courtyard surrounded by classical columns. The regally decorated rooms accommodate the Chamber of Senators and the House of Representatives. There are rows of ornately carved wooden tables and chairs and oil paintings that depict Argentina’s turbulent war of independence. The building was designed by the respected Swiss architect Francesco Righetti in 1892 for use by the government.
Arrive on the weekend to stroll through the bustle of the artisanal markets in the adjacent plaza. Sit on a bench under the tall palms in this relaxing space named after General Güemes, who fought and won in the historical battle for independence against Spain that took place in the region
Arrive at the Palacio Legislativo by taxi or walk the four blocks from the central Plaza 9 de Julio. Stop for lunch or refreshments at one of the cafés or restaurants near the palacio.
The Palacio Legislativo is one of the most beautifully restored examples of 19th-century architecture in Salta and should not be missed on a tour of this cultured city.
