asunción

Asunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay, serving as the country’s political, administrative, and economic center. It lies on the western bank of the Paraguay River near the center of the country and forms the core of the Greater Asunción metropolitan area.

The city has a long history. It was founded in 1537 by Juan de Salazar y Espinoza as Nuestra Señora Santa María de la Asunción, becoming one of the oldest settlements in the region. Asunción grew as a colonial capital and later sustained cultural and political development through the 19th and 20th centuries. It endured significant damage during the War of the Triple Alliance in the late 19th century and was subsequently rebuilt and modernized.

Notable landmarks include the Cathedral of Asunción, the Palacio de López (the seat of the executive branch), and the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes. The historic Manzana de la Rivera complex along the riverbank preserves a cluster of colonial-era buildings and serves as a cultural and tourist site. The city hosts museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions, reflecting a blend of Spanish colonial and local Guaraní influences. Spanish and Guaraní are widely spoken in daily life.

Asunción functions as Paraguay’s administrative and economic hub, with government services, commerce, and activities related to river transport on the Paraguay River. It is served by Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, which handles international and domestic flights. The city is connected to regional road networks, while rail transport is limited.