Pantheon of the Heroes

The Pantheon of the Heroes is Asuncion's most visited monument — a circular neo-classical dome modelled loosely on Les Invalides in Paris, sitting in the middle of the historic centre. Inside, the remains of Paraguay's most significant historical figures rest in marble tombs, flanked by an eternal flame and ceremonial guards who change on the hour.

The building is free to enter and takes about twenty minutes to walk through. The guard-change ceremony, when it happens, is worth waiting for — an elaborate, somewhat theatrical affair that draws a small crowd of locals and tourists alike. The surrounding plaza is shaded and has benches, making it a reasonable place to rest between other sights.

things to do sight
A story
The building was originally designed as a church in 1863 but was never completed for that purpose. When the War of the Triple Alliance ended, the unfinished shell was converted into a mausoleum. Francisco Solano López — the general who launched the war that destroyed Paraguay — was interred here in 1936, alongside the heroes who died fighting against him, an awkward coexistence that still generates debate.

Other places in Things to Do