• Colombia!

    Colombia: Caribbean Sea coast. Go Now!

    Colombia
    Although most of the people live inland, Colombia also has its share of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (pictured). Go Now!

  • Ecuador!

    Ecuador: Sally Lightfoot Crab. Go Now!

    Ecuador
    The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are home to incredible wildlife, such as the famous Galapagos Turtle and the lesser known, but more common Red Rock or Sally Lightfoot crab (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

  • Chile!

    Chile: Torres del Paine National Park. Go Now!

    Chile
    The Andes dominate much of Chile, including the breath-taking Torres del Paine National Park (pictured). However, the country also hosts the world's driest desert and a thriving metropolis. Begin Your Journey!

  • Venezuela!

    Venezuela: Los Roques. Go Now!

    Venezuela
    Rooted in Europe, Venezuela boasts an impressive history, culture, and beauty, including the Caribbean Coast (pictured). Explore Venezuela!

  • Bolivia!

    Bolivia: Salt flats. Go Now!

    Bolivia
    This hidden gem is full of surprises, from the impressive salt flats (pictured) to the migrating flamingos. It also clings to the most historic indigenous culture on the continent. Explore Bolivia!

Architecture of Paraguay

The pre-Columbian architecture in Paraguay was simple and little to no original architecture from this time period remains. Many of the people were semi-nomadic so they never built permanent structures. For these people the primary focus of building was in the form of housing. These houses were simple in nature and used the local materials available. Due to their construction of natural materials like wood and mud these historic structures have been replaced by more modern materials and styles.

Spanish colonial architecture was lacking in Paraguay, much like Spanish interest was lacking in the region. Because of this the colonial architecture in Paraguay is limited in numbers as the capital of Asuncion is home to the most impressive pieces. Asuncion is laid out like a Spanish city with a grid street pattern centered around a main square with a church. The street, Calle Palma is perhaps the most impressive street in the country from a colonial architectural perspective. The most impressive colonial building in the city, and perhaps the entire country, is the Metropolitan Cathedral (1845), which took over a century to finish.

Outside the capital there are a few other excellent examples of Spanish colonial architecture in Paraguay. The Jesuits built numerous missions in the 1700s and both La Santisima Trinidad de Parana (1706) near Encarnacion and the unfinished Jesus de Tavarangue are incredibly impressive as examples of early architecture in Paraguay. The Church in the town of Yaguaron, built in the 1700s, is also an impressive piece of Spanish colonial architecture.

After gaining independence in the early 1800s Paraguay struggle financially and due to this, relatively few buildings of note were constructed from this point into the mid-1900s.

In more recent history modern and post-modern architecture have arrived to Paraguay, primarily to the capital city of Asuncion. The new Congress House as well as numerous shopping malls are the pinnacle of modern architecture in Paraguay.

This page was last updated: February, 2013