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Church · Areguá, Central
Iglesia de la Candelaria de Areguá
The church of Areguá, dedicated to the Virgem da Candelária, on the hilltop at the start of Avenida del Lago, with a staircase and a view of Lago Ypacaraí.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Iglesia de la Candelaria de Areguá
The church of Areguá, dedicated to the Virgem da Candelária, patron saint of the town, stands on a high point at the start of Avenida del Lago. From the churchyard you can see the houses descending to Lago Ypacaraí and, on clear days, the San Bernardino shore on the opposite side.
Areguá was founded in 1538 by Domingo Martínez de Irala on an indigenous village, and at the end of the 16th century the Franciscans established a mission there. The church is the centre of the town's religious life and of the patron saint's festival in February.
Avenida del Lago, which begins at the church and slopes down toward the lake, has the summer mansions of Assunção families, with wide corridors and porches. The ensemble was declared a national heritage site in 1997.
Climbing up to the church is the first step of the Areguá walk. From there, descend along the avenue to the ceramics stalls and the old train station, now a cultural centre.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes, with the view from the churchyard.
Best time
In the morning before the heat, or late afternoon with low light over the lake. Check the church opening hours.
How to get there
It sits on the high part of Areguá's centre, at the start of Avenida del Lago. From the bus stop it's a few minutes on foot, uphill.
Tip
Climb the stairway and descend along Avenida del Lago to see the mansions on the way to the ceramics stalls.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Iglesia de la Candelaria de Areguá
Who is the patron saint of Areguá?
The Virgem da Candelária, celebrated in February.
Can you see the lake from the church?
Yes, from the churchyard you can see the houses descending to Lago Ypacaraí and, on clear days, the opposite shore.
What is Avenida del Lago?
The avenue that descends from the church toward the lake, with the early 20th-century summer mansions. The ensemble has been a national heritage site since 1997.