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Museum · San Juan Bautista, Misiones
Diocesan Museum of Jesuit Art of San Ignacio Guazú
Museum of art of the reductions housed in what remains of the old Jesuit college of San Ignacio Guazú, the first reduction of Paraguay, founded in 1609. It preserves polychrome wooden images carved by the Guaraní.
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 Diocesan Museum of Jesuit Art of San Ignacio Guazú
San Ignacio Guazú was the first Jesuit reduction in Paraguay. It was founded on December 29, 1609 by Fathers Marcial de Lorenzana and Francisco de San Martín, with the support of the cacique Arapysandú, who led them to his lands. The name guazú, meaning large in Guaraní, distinguishes it from San Ignacio Miní, another reduction now in Argentina.
From the old mission the buildings of the Jesuit college remain. They house the Diocesan Museum, which brings together sculptures rescued from the old temple: saints, angels and religious scenes in polychrome wood, carved by the Guaraní under the direction of the fathers, in the style known as Hispano-Guaraní baroque.
The rooms also show maps of the reductions and objects from the period. After the fathers left, the building had other uses, and part of the old workshop served as a storage for the images before becoming a museum.
In San Ignacio’s historic center there are still large houses with corridors from the reductions era, and the town is about 30 km from San Juan Bautista via PY01.
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
One to two hours.
Best time
In the morning or afternoon on a weekday. The museum often closes around midday; check the opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It is in the center of San Ignacio Guazú, on Iturbe Street, between Marcial de Lorenzana and Capitán Alfonso del Puerto. From San Juan Bautista it’s about 30 km via PY01 by car or bus.
Tip
Combine it with the Museo de Santa María de Fe, on an 11 km detour from San Ignacio, and walk among the large historic houses in the town center.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Diocesan Museum of Jesuit Art of San Ignacio Guazú
What was the first Jesuit reducción in Paraguay?
San Ignacio Guazú, founded on December 29, 1609 by Fathers Marcial de Lorenzana and Francisco de San Martín.
What is in the Jesuit museum of San Ignacio Guazú?
Polychrome wooden sculptures from the old temple, carved by the Guaraní under Jesuit direction, as well as maps and objects from the reducciones.
How far is San Ignacio Guazú from San Juan Bautista?
About 30 km via PY01, heading south.