Asunción: Capital City of Paraguay

Asunción is the capital city of Paraguay and an autonomous district located on the banks of the Paraguay River, near the border with Argentina. It is located 322 kilometers west of Ciudad del Este. It is the largest city in the country as well as an important and busy river port. Founded on 15 August 1537, the city was named after the Assumption of Mary, as the foundation day coincided with the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, known in Spanish as “Asunción”.

It is one of the oldest cities in South America and is often called Madre de Ciudades, meaning “The Mother of Cities”. Asunción serves as the economic, industrial, educational, political, and cultural hub of Paraguay, supported by an advanced transportation system. The city is home to numerous international banks, government institutions, historic landmarks, shopping centers, and high-rise buildings such as Sky Tower, The Tower, Eminent Towers, and The Top.

Asunción is also a popular destination for visitors, partly due to its reputation as an affordable city. It is considered one of the safest capitals in Latin America. The city is home to some of Paraguay’s most important educational institutions, including Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Universidad Americana, and Colegio Nacional de la Capital. Silvio Pettirossi International Airport serves as the main air gateway, offering flights to destinations across South America and a few cities in Europe. The Héroes del Chaco Bridge, opened in 2024, connects Asunción with Nueva Asunción across the Paraguay River.

Visitors can explore many famous buildings in the capital. National Pantheon of the Heroes houses the remains of important figures from Paraguayan history and is one of the city’s most important landmarks. Nearby, Plaza de la Libertad offers a pleasant green space in the city center. To the north stands Palacio de los López, a stunning neoclassical building constructed in 1857. It serves as the seat of the government of Paraguay and the president's office. Close by, Costanera de Asunción provides scenic river views along the Paraguay River.

Other attractions in Asunción include the Casa de la Independencia Museum, the Municipal Theatre Ignacio A. Pane, the Centro Cultural de la República El Cabildo, the Manzana de la Rivera, the Shopping Mariscal, the Asunción Cathedral, the Museo del Barro, the Parque de la Salud, and the Mall Excelsior.