Looking out over the banks of the River Paraguay, Asunción is a testament to 19th century ideals, with names reflectings its heroes and battles. The tree-lined avenues, parks and squares are a delight, especially in July and August when the pink blooms of the Lapacho trees, which can be found everywhere, are at their best.
Although the city itself is spread out, most of the sights are in the relatively small area by the river, so walking is easy. One point to watch out for ~ many of the names of streets, avenues and plazas have been changed or are referred to by more than one name! A good guide book or local map is essential.
Calle Palma is the main street in downtown, where several of the historical buildings can be found, as well as plazas, shops, restaurants and cafes. In front of the Presidential Place is 'The Manzana de la Rivera', a series of old traditional homes that have been restored, and that act as a museum to showcase the architectural evolution of the city.
The old Railroad Station still maintains the old trains that now are used in tourist trips to the cities of Luque and Areguá. The Paraguayan Railroad was one of the first in South America. The Railroad Carlos Antonio López lets you travel into the history and enjoy the green valleys surrounded by hills, picturesque towns, traditions and customs far from the modern highways.
Asunción also has shopping malls that contain shops offering the most well-known brands in the world. The biggest shopping malls are Shopping del Sol, which includes a Macys-style department store, as well as others, including the Mall Excelsior, located downtown.
-
Palacio de Gobierno ~ Built in the late 1800's in the style of the French Versailles by the López family, the palace is open on Sundays for tours.
-
Pantéon Nacional de los Héros ~ Based on Les Invalides in Paris, contains the tombs of members of the López family; Mariscal Estigarribia, the victor of the Chaco War; an unknown child soldier and other national heroes. The child soldiers honoured in the Panteon were boys aged 12-16 who fought at the battle of Acosta Ñu in the War of the Triple Alliance, who fought because most of the able-bodied men had already been killed.
-
Nu Guazú ~ a recreational park with two lakes and some displays of modern art in stone.
-
Jardín Botánico ~ Lying along the Río Paraguay are these well-maintained gardens and a golf course, as well as a one-storey typical Paraguayan house, housing the Museo de Historia Natura.
-
Museums ~ The Museum of Fine Arts has a small collection of Spanish and Paraguayan art, while the Casa de la Independencia displays a historical collection. The Museo Dr Andrés Barbero is an anthropoligical museum with a good collection of items used by the various Guaraní tribes, and finally, the Museo de Arte Indígeno and Museo de Barro both contain indigenous and contemporary art.
-
Manzana de la Rivera ~ A collection of old traditional homes that have been restored to act as a museum to showcase the architectural evolution of the city.
