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Monument · Assunção, Assunção
Panteón Nacional de los Héroes
The mausoleum of Paraguay's heroes, a domed temple inspired by the Panthéon in Paris, begun in 1863 and only completed in 1936, on the Plaza de los Héroes, containing the remains of Francisco Solano López and other figures from the country's history.
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 Panteón Nacional de los Héroes
The Panteón Nacional de los Héroes stands in the heart of downtown Asunción, between Palma and Chile streets, in the Plaza de los Héroes. It began as an oratory dedicated to the Virgem da Assunção, commissioned by Francisco Solano López in 1863, designed by the Italian Alejandro Ravizza. The Paraguayan War (War of the Triple Alliance) halted construction, which remained unfinished for more than seventy years.
After the Chaco War, the building was completed by Polish engineer Brunon Edward Paprocki and inaugurated on October 12, 1936, as the national pantheon. The dome and the columned façade recall the Panthéon in Paris. At the entrance is the Latin inscription Fides et Patria, faith and homeland.
Inside are the remains of Marshal Francisco Solano López, President Carlos Antonio López, Marshal José Félix Estigarribia, General Bernardino Caballero and other figures from the country’s history, as well as an unknown soldier from the Chaco War and a tribute to the children killed at the Battle of Acosta Ñu. The honor guard stands at the door.
The pantheon’s portico is the kilometre zero marker for Paraguay’s national roads. Around it, the Plaza de los Héroes hosts handicraft stalls and the bustle of the city 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 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning on weekdays. On March 1, Day of the Heroes, there is an official ceremony and access may be restricted. Check opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It’s between Palma and Chile streets, in the Plaza de los Héroes, in the city centre, a five‑minute walk from the Catedral and three blocks from the Casa de la Independencia.
Tip
Notice the inscription Fides et Patria on the façade and the kilometre‑zero marker for the roads at the portico. At the Plaza de los Héroes, stalls sell ñandutí lace and other handicrafts.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Panteón Nacional de los Héroes
Who is buried in the Panteón?
Among others, Francisco Solano López, Carlos Antonio López, José Félix Estigarribia, Bernardino Caballero and Eusebio Ayala, as well as an unknown soldier from the Chaco War and the children of Acosta Ñu.
Why did the work take so long?
It began in 1863 and was interrupted by the War of the Triple Alliance. The building remained unfinished for more than seventy years and was only completed in 1936.
Does the Panteón have a relation with the one in Paris?
Yes, the dome and the columned façade were inspired by the Panthéon in Paris.
What is the zero marker on the portico?
It is the point from which the kilometers of the country's main national roads are measured.