Charming Asuncion

Palace of president at the back, pigs at the front.

I seriously think that the Asuncion is a charming capital and very easy going. For the European standard, it is probably not the safest capital, but I guess it is one of the safest capital in south America. I could wander on my own there! Whiteout too much fear!!! Asuncion lacks touristic attractions but it has its hidden charm.


It is full of contrast but it is not so polarized like Brazil. The most important building in the city is located in the center, next to the river and it is the palace of president. The palace does not have any fence, has a few armed soldiers around- but only a few, and just few meters from the palace there is..... a ruin of the old house and the pigs are running around. COOL. Have a look on the photo, you can find pigs there and the palace at the background!!!!

Horses in the city center, expressing their feelings.

In big cities there is usually a great deal of anonymous, and it is very rare that in the capital city people would great themselves on the street. But it happened few times that someone greeted me in Asuncion!!! I also met horses walking on the street without any supervision just two streets from the strict center...

Important side in Asuncion is Pantheon. This is commemorating the most devastating war in the history of Paraguay - triple alliance war which happened in 1864-1879 and was the most bloody conflict in South America. That time Paraguay was the most developed country in the neighborhood ruled by the monarch. They wanted to get economical independent from Europe and started a production of goods that till then they had to export from old Europe. Especially England did not like it, and convinced three neighbouring countries: Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina to invade Paraguay. They quickly defeated the Paraguay country but the war continued until 80% of male population was slaughtered. Just imagine 80%. It took three generation to recover the demographic imbalance, and only few years ago the percentage of males got equal with the percentage of females in Asuncion

Guard in front of Pantheon.

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So in the capital, they have important white building Panteón, before which they hold guards. In the building there are memorials. But some time ago they repainted the inside of the building but they forgot to remove the traces of the paint from the memorials.

Paraguay is not a touristic destination in south America. there is seriously not too many spectacular touristic attraction here. But the biggest treasure of this country are people. For my, Paraguay is a bit like my beloved Laos of South America. 

Slow speed life in Asuncion.

Slow and easy going. I guess Asuncion is one of the slowest capitals.

In the capital there are also quite a few old architectural beauties. I had a huge pleasure to wander around the city and to discover them on my own. I also manage to come across one of the funny building....