National Pantheon of Heroes

Fantastic building architecturally and spiritually. We visited on Sunday morning when a Catholic Mass was wrapping up. Very nice. Here the heroes of Paraguay from the mid 1800’s to about 1940’s are honored and in most cases interred. Presidents, Generals, a symbolic war hero is featured, one artist (musician and poet), and some statues to Catholic clergy e.g. bishops. It’s a beautiful building, to us one of the best places to visit in Paraguay as one gets some history and the vibe and spirit of Paraguay’s independence and importance as a country. It’s free, don’t miss this place. Includes the tomb of the first President of the Republic who was the gentleman behind the famous term “Paraguay soup” as a name for bread, something I shall never forget. Well done!

Fabulous architecture and solemn hom for the national heroes …

UNESCO site remembering the valient men of the Chaco War. There's a changing of the guard 💂‍♂️ every so often. A must if in the area. Nice restaurant across the street called Narional Bar

A beautiful building in the city center. The history of Paraguay is here. It's small but it is a must visit if you are in the old city center. Around the pantheon there are shops and cafes if you want to chill after visiting it.

Admission is free, plenty of signs describing the biographies of Paraguay's historical military and political figures.

Nice architecture and history involved in the building where we ended our free walking tour. Cool to see the changing of the guards.

In the heart of downtown Asunción stands the National Pantheon of the Heroes, one of Paraguay’s most important landmarks. Originally designed in the 1860s by Italian architect Alessandro Ravizza, construction was interrupted by the War of the Triple Alliance and only completed decades later, inaugurated in 1936. The neoclassical façade with its dome and columns gives it a solemn, elegant presence on Plaza de los Héroes. Inside rest the remains of Paraguay’s most revered figures, including Marshal Francisco Solano López, other national leaders, and unknown soldiers. It serves both as a mausoleum and a symbol of remembrance. A highlight for visitors is the changing of the guard ceremony, performed by the Honor Guard. It’s dignified and formal — though not as elaborate as the spectacles at Buckingham Palace or similar sites — it adds a sense of living tradition to the memorial. Notes The site is compact — 20–30 minutes is enough to take it in. The guard change usually happens every couple of hours, we were lucky to get but not sure of the exact schedule Great photo opportunities: the white dome, flag against the sky, stained glass, and the guards at attention all make striking images. It is good to the stop here with a walk to the nearby Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Uruguaya, or nearby historic streets.

Free entrance. We took 10 minutes to see inside and three hours sitting in across the street at National Bar drinking beer, relaxing and contemplating the architecture of the building.