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Palace · Assunção, Assunção
Palacio de López
The seat of the Paraguayan government, a 19th‑century neoclassical palace on the shore of the Baía de Assunção, ordered built by Francisco Solano López. It is seen from the outside, from the square and the Costanera, and is illuminated at night.
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 Palacio de López
The Palacio de López is the seat of the Executive Branch of Paraguay, where the president of the Republic works. It sits atop the bluff between the historic center and the Baía de Assunção, and is the most photographed building in the capital. Its name comes from Francisco Solano López, who ordered it built as a residence in the 1860s on land he inherited from his godfather.
The building is neoclassical with Palladian influence: two floors of arcaded galleries, a central tower and a façade facing the bay. The stones came from Emboscada and Altos, the bricks from Tacumbú and the ironwork from Ybycuí. Inside, the marble staircase is by the Italian Andrés Antonini, and the ceilings with flowers and figures were painted by the Frenchman Julio Monet.
The palace was almost finished when the War of the Triple Alliance began. In 1869 it was bombarded and later occupied by allied troops, who used it as a barracks for about seven years. Restored, it began functioning as the seat of government in 1894.
For visitors, the experience is to see the palace from the outside. The best view is from the Costanera, where you can see the entire façade with the bay in front. At night, the lighting highlights the arches and the tower. Across the street in front is the Manzana de la Rivera, and a few steps away are the Cabildo and the Cathedral.
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 30 minutes to see the façade from the square and the Costanera. Combine it with the Manzana de la Rivera across the street.
Best time
At the end of the afternoon, with the low light on the façade, and just after nightfall when the lighting is switched on. From December to February, avoid midday, which is very hot.
How to get there
It is on Paraguayo Independiente Street, between Ayolas and O'Leary, in the historic center, a few minutes' walk from the Catedral and the Plaza de la Independencia. The bay can be seen by going down to Avenida Costanera.
Tip
Guided visits to the interior are not regular; if you want to go inside, check in advance with the Presidência to see if there are days open to the public.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palacio de López
Can you go inside the Palacio de López?
The palace is the seat of government and interior visits are not regular. On special dates they may open visits; check in advance. Most of the time, visits are from outside, from the square and the Costanera.
Why is the palace called López?
It was commissioned by Francisco Solano López, president of Paraguay in the 1860s, as a residence. He inherited the land from his godfather.
What is the best place to photograph the palace?
The Costanera avenue, from where you can see the entire façade with the bay in front. At night, with the lighting on, the view from the Costanera also works well.
What is near the palace?
The Manzana de la Rivera, in front; the Cabildo, one block away; and the Cathedral, on the Plaza de la Independencia, five minutes on foot.