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Cultural center · Assunção, Assunção
Manzana de la Rivera
A city block of old houses facing the Palacio de López, restored as the city's cultural center, with the museum Memoria de la Ciudad in Casa Viola, from the 18th century, courtyards, a library and exhibition rooms.
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 Manzana de la Rivera
The Manzana de la Rivera is the block that sits in front of the Palacio de López, on Ayolas street. It brings together houses from different periods, from colonial to art nouveau, which the Assunção city government restored starting in 1991 to create the city's cultural center.
The oldest is Casa Viola, built between 1750 and 1758, with thick walls, a tiled roof and an open corridor. It houses the museum Memoria de la Ciudad, with maps, objects, photographs and paintings that tell the history of Assunção since its founding. Casa Clari, from the early 20th century in late art nouveau style, has a café and an exhibition room.
The other houses shelter the Biblioteca Municipal, an auditorium for theater and music, exhibition rooms, the municipal videotheque and inner courtyards where outdoor performances take place. The courtyards are connected to each other, and a walk through the block is a way to see inside how the old downtown houses looked.
From the balcony and the windows facing the street you can see the Palacio de López directly. Cultural programming changes throughout the year; check the schedule on-site.
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
40 minutes to 1 hour for the Casa Viola museum and the courtyards; more time if there's an exhibition or performance.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon on weekdays, when the rooms are usually open. Confirm opening hours and days before you go.
How to get there
It's located in front of the Palacio de López, on Ayolas street, in the historic center. From the Plaza de la Independencia it's a five-minute walk.
Tip
Start at Casa Viola to understand the city's history and then cross the street to see the Palacio de López. Casa Clari's café is a shady stop in the midday heat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Manzana de la Rivera
What is Casa Viola?
It is the oldest house in the Manzana de la Rivera, built between 1750 and 1758. It houses the Memoria de la Ciudad museum, with the history of Asunción told through maps, objects and paintings.
Which houses make up the Manzana de la Rivera?
Houses from different periods, from the colonial era to the early 20th century, such as Casa Viola (1750–1758), Casa Castelví (1804), and Casa Clari in art nouveau style, linked by internal courtyards and restored starting in 1991.
Is there cultural programming?
Yes. The center has an auditorium, exhibition rooms and courtyards where performances take place. The schedule changes throughout the year; check on site.
Can it be combined with the Palacio de López?
Yes, the Manzana is located directly opposite the palace, across the street.