- Address: Chile, Asunción, Paraguay
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri until 17:30, on weekends until 21:00
In the capital of Paraguay there is an architectural landmark , which is a symbol of the heroic past and an object of cultural heritage - the National Pantheon of Heroes. It is dedicated to all those heroes who gave their lives during the war for the independence of the country. That is why it is always included in tourist excursions around Asuncion .
History of the National Pantheon of Heroes
Initially in 1863 on the site of this cultural monument it was planned to build a chapel of the Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Above it worked the Italian architect Alejandro Ravitsii and designer Giacomo Colombino. At the same time, they drew inspiration from the building of the Paris House of the Disabled. But because of the Paraguayan war, construction was suspended.
The official opening of the chapel took place only in October 1936, and almost immediately it was given the status of a pantheon. With him was also opened a separate oratorio of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 2009, the National Pantheon of Heroes was added to the list of cultural heritage sites in Paraguay.
Using the National Pantheon of Heroes
This stern memorial was built as a tribute to the memory of soldiers who died during the long wars for the freedom of Paraguay, as well as to politicians who served this country. The following are the famous Paraguayans in the National Pantheon of Heroes:
- the first President of the Republic of Paraguay, Carlos Antonio López;
- Marshal Francisco Solano Lopez;
- Marshal Jose Felix Estigarribia and his wife;
- unknown soldiers;
- 12 children who took part in the so-called "children's battle".
Events related to the National Pantheon of Heroes
Every March 1, the Day of the heroes of the country, a memorial demonstration is held near the walls of this building, which is chaired by the President of the Republic. In addition to tourists and local residents, ministers, members of the Congress of Paraguay, representatives of the Ministry of Armed Forces and officials come to the National Pantheon of Heroes.
Every Saturday morning, a solemn change of honor guard is held here. During these hours, the guard soldiers, dressed in a ceremonial uniform, take turns with each other to the sounds of a brass band. The Paraguayans and tourists from all over the world come to the National Pantheon of Heroes to commemorate the people who gave their lives for their bright future. For them, it is a kind of pilgrimage place, where they bring their relatives, children and grandchildren.
How to get to the National Pantheon of Heroes?
This metropolitan landmark is located in the west of Asuncion , at the intersection of the streets of Chile and Palma. To get to the National Pantheon of Heroes, you need to take a taxi, public or rented transport . From the center of the capital, you can reach here in 25-30 minutes, following the roads of General Jose Gervasio Artigas, Costanera José Asuncion Flores, Augusto Roa Bastos or Santisimo Sacramento.