in Guarani, our native language, eporandu it means "to ask"

5 Minutes of History

03/03/2025

From Ancient Roots to Modern Vibrancy

Ever walked through Asunción and felt the past beneath your feet? This city's seen it all — we've put together a timeline that shows both the big events and the everyday stories that shaped its soul..

Ancient History: What the Books Say

These are the major milestones that shaped Asunción and Paraguay.

  • 1537: Birth of a Capital On August 15th, Juan de Salazar y Espinoza founded the Fort of Our Lady of Saint Mary of the Assumption. This was the seed that grew into our beloved city.

  • 1617: A Split and a Loss The Governorate of Paraguay, with Asunción as its capital, was divided into two. This unfortunate decision left Paraguay and its capital without direct access to the sea, shaping its future development.

  • 1750: The Oldest Survivor The Casa Viola was built! This beautiful building still stands today, right across from the current Government Palace, making it the oldest construction still standing in the city. Imagine the stories those walls could tell!

  • 1811: Independence Dawns In the early hours of May 14th and 15th, Paraguay's independence from the Spanish Crown was forged. This brave act marked a pivotal moment, securing our nation's freedom.

  • 1869: A City's Ordeal Asunción was taken by the Allied forces during the brutal final phase of the War of the Triple Alliance. This incredibly bloody conflict saw Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay unite, leading to devastating losses for the Paraguayan population.

  • 1936: Honoring Heroes The construction of the National Pantheon of Heroes was finally completed, a grand monument celebrating Paraguay's hard-won victory in the Chaco War against Bolivia.

  • 1947: A Nation Divided A devastating civil war erupted, forcing one-third of the population into exile and leaving deep, lasting divisions within Paraguayan society.

Contemporary History: What the Streets Tell Us

Beyond the official records, some events have left their mark on the very soul of the city and its people.

  • 1989: The Dawn of Democracy After 35 long years, the dictatorship fell through a coup. This marked a turning point, laying the groundwork for a future built on democratic principles and freedom.

  • 1999: Paraguayan March: A Civil Awakening This period saw a powerful awakening of civil society. For days, massive protests filled the plazas in front of Congress, sparked by the assassination of Vice President Argaña. It was a clear demonstration of the people's voice.

  • 2004: A City in Mourning A tragic supermarket fire deeply impacted Asunción, claiming the lives of nearly 400 people. It was a profound and sorrowful event that united the city in grief.

  • 2011: Bicentennial Celebration! In commemoration of our 200 years of national independence, Asunción truly vibrated! A renewed patriotic spirit swept through society, as masses of people poured into the streets to celebrate and participate in countless activities. It was a moment of immense pride and unity.

  • 2014: Embracing the Costanera Asuncenos began to truly embrace the recently inaugurated Costanera de Asunción (waterfront promenade) as a vital social and cultural hub. It quickly became the place to meet up, relax, and enjoy the city. This helped solidify Asunción's reputation as the 'Green Capital of Ibero-America'.

  • 2017: A Fiery Protest On March 31st, a political crisis led to a series of intense citizen protests. These demonstrations tragically escalated, resulting in the burning of the National Congress and the death of a demonstrator. It was a raw and difficult moment for the nation.

Asunción's history is a tapestry of triumphs, challenges, and defining moments. Understanding these layers helps you truly appreciate the resilience and spirit of its people. What part of Asunción's past interests you the most?

Becoming "Paraguayan"
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