Asunción General Sights

General Sights

Asuncion may not have much to see, but if you are willing to be your own tour guide, Asuncion can be a good time. Every July there is a trade fair with exhibition booths, food, music and liquor. This is a good way to learn about what goes on in the country, the exhibitors range from agricultural suppliers to liquor manufacturers. Keep an eye out for the many free samples of food, soap, drinks, etc. One of the more impressive new buildings in the city is the National Congress. It was built in 2002 with $20 million from the Taiwanese government. Paraguay is one of the few countries that recognizes Taiwan as opposed to mainland China. Most striking is its mirrored facade, which reflects the nearby slums along the bank of the river. Across the broad and picturesque plaza with fountains is the National Cathedral, but it is frequently closed, especially at midday siesta. The municipal museum is modest, but has some tidbits about the old tram line from the 1880s and other civic history. Nearby is the visual arts museum with temporary exhibits from national artists. The Fine Arts museum is fairly unimpressive. The Panteon del los Heroes houses the tomb of the unknown soldier as well as plaques for the heroes of the Chaco war. Backyard birds in the city are interesting. There is the Great Kiskadee, Saffron Finch and Hornero. Kiskadee is like a yellow blue jay-- aggressive and large. Saffron finch is similar to a yellow house finch, Hornero is much like American Robin without the red breast. It builds a unique nest about the size and shape of a football completely out of mud and resembles a Paraguayan oven or "horno." Thus the name: "baker."