Landmarks Tour of Asuncion

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1 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 - Landmarks Tour of Asuncion Asuncion is well worth visiting for its architecture alone. From modern houses to colonial buildings, the past and present converge in this amazing city of 56,000 inhabitants. Take this tour to learn more about Asuncion's architectural heritage. Guide Location: Paraguay» Asuncion # of Attractions: 8 Tour Duration: 2 hour(s) Travel Distance: 2.5 km Please note: This walk is also featured in the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" downloadable on itunes App Store and Google Play. The app provides turn-by-turn GPS navigation to guide you from one tour sight to the next, so you will never be lost. The apps offer additional walking tours in Asuncion. Check them out! GPSmyCity offers self-guided walking tours in over 1,000 city around the world. Please visit for more walking tour offers. List of attractions included in this self-guided walking tour: A) Palacio de los López B) Palacio Legislativo C) Casa de los Diputados D) Panteón Nacional de los Héroes E) Hotel Guarani F) Banco Nacional de Fomento G) Estacion del Ferrocarril H) Wilson Tower Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 -

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4 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 - A) Palacio de los López (must see) Situated in the town plaza overlooking Asuncion Bay, Palacio de los López is one of the most beautiful and imposing buildings in the city. Built in 1772 and completed in 1892, it was designed in the Neo-classical style. It has wide staircases, verandas, and continuous arches that loop all the way around the top floor balcony. The main body of the palace is flanked by two wings that form a squared U shape. At the center of the palace, a lookout tower soars two stories above the roof. Address: El Paraguayo Independiente and Ayolas, Asunción, Paraguay Image Courtesy of Flickr and lett -/\= B) Palacio Legislativo (must see) Located in the historic center of Asuncion, Palacio Legislativo is the only post-modern building in the city. Opened in 2003, architect Gaetano Moretti designed the building. The structural form of the building is often compared to a truncated cone. The palace houses the boardrooms of Congress, the House of Representatives and VIP rooms. The Main Hall is one of the most significant areas of the building and serves as a venue for cultural events and activities, including permanent exhibitions of art. The downtown area of Asunción can be seen from the terrace of Palacio Legislativo. In addition to the view, the palace provides a great opportunity to learn more about the traditions and culture of Asuncion. Address: Plaza Independencia, Asuncion, Paraguay Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Roblespepe C) Casa de los Diputados (must see) Once a military school and museum, Casa de los Diputados is now a popular tourist attraction. The house was transformed from a military museum into an important cultural center. Today this beautiful Neo-classical building houses offices for members of Congress. From historic buildings to restaurants, entertainment venues to shopping areas, you can find all this and more near Casa de los Diputados. Address: 14 de Mayo and El Paraguayo Independiente, Asuncion, Paraguay Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 -

5 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 - Image Courtesy of Flickr and Luigi Crespo D) Panteón Nacional de los Héroes (must see) Originally constructed as a chapel, Panteón Nacional de los Héroes finally opened in 1936 in commemoration of the Virgin, as well as the city of Mariscala and its army. Situated between Independencia Nacional and Coronel Bogado Streets, the Panteón initially resembled a Gothic chapel, although it later underwent major modifications. The Panteón is an architectural gem of great artistic, cultural and historic value. Here you can admire the monuments to Mariscal López and other national heroes. Be sure to head inside this iconic building to look at the magnificent altar and ceiling. Address: Mariscal Estigarribia and Plaza de los Héroes, Asunción, Paraguay Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and alex-s E) Hotel Guarani (must see) Built in 1961, Hotel Guarani occupies an entire city block. It is located in the heart of the administrative, legal and commercial part of town. The hotel is considered a symbol of Asuncion and South America. It was the first five-star hotel in Asuncion and for many years was the main point of reference when navigating the city. The hotel was renovated in 2008 and today has a crisp modern look that still pays tribute to its original 1960s design. Address: Oliva and Nuestra Senora, Asuncion, Paraguay Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Felipe Antonio F) Banco Nacional de Fomento Banco Nacional de Fomento is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. The bank was created by Decree-Law No. 281 on March 14, 1961, and operations commenced on November 20, Designed by architect Francisco Canese in the Neo-classical style, the bank resembles Buckingham Palace in London. The bank's main purpose is to aid in the development of the Paraguayan economy, and it funds programs to Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 -

6 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 - promote agriculture, forestry and industry in the country. Address: Independencia Nacional and 25 de Mayo, Asuncion, Paraguay Image Courtesy of Flickr and bradipo G) Estacion del Ferrocarril (must see) Built in 1861 by English architect Alonzo Taylor, Estacion del Ferrocarril is Asuncion's stunning railway station. Construction occurred under the rule of President Don Carlos Antonio López. The station's Neo-Gothic towers blend in well with the surrounding architecture. The balustrade above the cornice is a recent addition. Address: Estacion del Ferrocarril, Asuncion, Paraguay Image Courtesy of Flickr and Lorenzo Zucchi H) Wilson Tower Located on Ayala Street between Constitution and Brazil Streets, Wilson Tower was, for nearly two decades, the country's tallest skyscraper, standing almost 100 meters tall. Currently, the tallest building in Paraguay is Icono Tower. Built in 1993, Wilson Tower serves as residential apartment building. The tower's facade, which resembles classic LEGO pieces, is quite unique. Address: Eligio Alaya and Brasil, Asuncion, Paraguay Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and FF MM Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 -