- Address: Plaza Independencia, Asuncion, Paraguay
- Telephone number: +595 21 449512
In the historical center of the capital of Paraguay is the main Catholic church of the country, which is called the Cathedral of Asuncion (Catedral Metropolitana de Asunción).
What is the temple famous for?
It is the oldest building in South America. It is considered the first diocese of the Rio de la Plata, and was consecrated in honor of the Assumption of Our Lady (Virgin Mary), who is the patroness of the city of Asuncion . The church was built in the place of the burnt church by order of the Spanish King Philip II in 1561. This time is the official date of foundation.
In the XIX century, during the reign of Don Carlos Antonio Lopez and his adviser Mariano Roque Alonso, the temple was prone to restoration and modernization, it was reopened in October 1845. It was developed by the Uruguayan architect Carlos Ciusi.
The status of the Cathedral was appropriated in 1963, after the establishment of a local diocese. The last repair work was carried out from 2008 to 2013. In July 2015, the Pope of Rome read the Mass here, in honor of this event a grand celebration was held in the temple.
Architecture of the shrine
He has five naves and combines different styles:
- neoclassical;
- baroque;
- Gothic;
- Mauritanian.
The main entrance is made in the form of an arch, and its side columns support the cornice. The facade of the building is painted white, it is decorated with large windows, stucco medallions and the image of Our Lady. On both sides of the building are high towers erected in the XX century, they crown miniature domes.
The interior of the temple is very pompous. The main altar of the Cathedral of Asuncion is quite high, covered with silver, executed in an antique style and is located opposite the entrance. Here there are luxurious crystal chandeliers (baccarat variety). These objects were presented to the temple by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the church there are several chapels dedicated to the faces of the saints.
Sightseeing
Anyone can visit the temple, but it is better to do this, accompanied by a local guide, so that he acquainted travelers with the history of the main religious landmark of the country . The cathedral still works and is the center of spiritual life among the local population: solemn ceremonies, services are held here, main religious holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc.) are celebrated.
How to get to the temple?
The main Catholic church of the country is in the center of the historic city. It is included in the plan of the sightseeing tour of Asuncion. You can reach it by bus, on foot or by car through the streets: Azara / Félix de Azara, Mcal. Estigarribia, Eligio Ayala and Av. Mariscal López, distance is 4 km.
The cathedral Asuncion is considered one of the best buildings in the city and is not only the cultural and religious center of Paraguay, but also part of its rich history.