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Historic site · Coronel Bogado, Itapúa
Jesuit Mission of San Cosme and San Damián
Old Jesuit reduction founded in 1632 on the banks of the Paraná River, where Father Buenaventura Suárez set up an observatory in the 18th century. The church remains in use and the astronomy center explains his work.
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 Jesuit Mission of San Cosme and San Damián
The reduction of San Cosme y Damián was founded on January 25, 1632, by Jesuit Father Adriano Formoso. The residents moved several times until settling, in 1718, north of the Paraná River, where the town of San Cosme y Damián stands today.
The mission is known for Father Buenaventura Suárez, born in Santa Fe, in present-day Argentina, who arrived there in 1703 and worked at the reduction until his death in 1750. With the help of the Guaraní, he built telescopes, an astronomical quadrant, and a sundial, and published Lunario de un siglo in 1743, with predictions of eclipses and lunar phases. The sundial remains in the Jesuits’ inner courtyard.
Unlike Trinidad and Jesús, San Cosme y Damián is a living reduction: the church, more than three centuries old, is used for Masses and community activities. The historic center was declared a cultural heritage site by the Secretaría Nacional de Cultura, and the mission is on Paraguay’s tentative list for UNESCO.
Part of the former reduction grounds has housed the Buenaventura Suárez Astronomical Interpretation Center since March 24, 2010, with an exhibition about the priest’s work, daytime solar observation, and scheduled night visits.
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
Two to three hours, including the astronomy center.
Best time
In the afternoon, to link up with a night visit at the astronomy center when scheduled. Check hours and programming before you go.
How to get there
From Coronel Bogado, follow PY01 to the paved turnoff for San Cosme y Damián; the mission is about 20 km from town. There are buses between San Cosme y Damián and Encarnación; check the schedules.
Tip
The ticket for the Jesuit missions of Itapúa usually also covers Trinidad and Jesús near Encarnación; confirm at the ticket office. Bring a coat for the nighttime visit in winter.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Jesuit Mission of San Cosme and San Damián
Who was Buenaventura Suárez?
A Jesuit priest born in Santa Fe who lived in the reduction of San Cosme y Damián from 1703 until his death in 1750. With the help of the Guaraní, he built instruments and published Lunario de un siglo in 1743.
Does the church of San Cosme y Damián still function?
Yes. The church of the former reduction is used for Masses and community activities.
Can you observe the sky in San Cosme y Damián?
The astronomy center carries out solar observations during the day and scheduled nighttime visits. Observations depend on the weather; check the program before you go.
How far is San Cosme y Damián from Coronel Bogado?
About 20 km, via a paved turnoff from PY01.