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Church · Itá, Central
Church of San Blas de Itá
Franciscan church from 1698 dedicated to San Blas, patron of the city and of Paraguay. It preserves the colonial style, and the main altarpiece is protected as national cultural heritage.
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 Church of San Blas de Itá
Itá was founded in 1539 by Domingo Martínez de Irala and became one of the most important Franciscan reducciones in Paraguay. It is believed the founding took place on February 3, the day of San Blas, the saint who became patron of the city and, since colonial times, protector of Paraguay.
The current temple was built in 1698 under the Franciscans. According to the parish authorities, the building preserves the colonial style, and the main altarpiece, over three centuries old, is part of the national cultural heritage.
The feast of San Blas, on February 3, is one of the country’s major religious festivals. It begins nine days earlier with a novena of prayers, bell ringing and fireworks, and on the saint’s day the town receives visitors from many parts of Paraguay. Part of the celebrations takes place around the lagoon.
In Itá, the place name means stone in Guaraní, and local tradition says a friar from the reducción taught women to make the clay pitchers that made the town famous.
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
30 minutes to an hour.
Best time
In the morning, outside mass times, when the temple usually receives visitors; confirm before going.
How to get there
It is in the center of Itá; reachable on foot from any point in the center. From Asunción it’s 37 km via PY01.
Tip
In the week of the feast of San Blas, at the beginning of February, the town is crowded; go early if you want to see the temple calmly.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Church of San Blas de Itá
How old is the church of San Blas in Itá?
The temple was built in 1698 under the Franciscans and retains the colonial style.
When is the feast of San Blas in Itá?
On February 3, with a novena that starts nine days earlier.
Who is the patron saint of Paraguay?
San Blas, celebrated on February 3. Itá is one of the towns that celebrates the saint most enthusiastically.