The Metropolitan Cathedral of Asuncion stands on the Plaza de la Independencia — a large, yellow-painted neo-classical building that anchors the central square. The current structure dates from the 19th century, though a church has occupied the site since the earliest days of the colonial settlement. The interior is relatively plain but cool and quiet, making it a good place to pause during a walk around the historic centre.
The cathedral is free to enter and is usually open during daylight hours. The plaza in front is Asuncion's main gathering point, used for everything from political rallies to food festivals, and the benches under the trees are reliably occupied by locals passing the time. The surrounding streets — particularly Calle Palma — are the closest thing Asuncion has to a pedestrian shopping district.