Museums & Attractions

Manzana de la Rivera

Nine restored colonial houses forming the most beautiful living museum in the historic center

Asunción, Capital

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Manzana de la Rivera

About this business

Manzana de la Rivera is one of Paraguay's and South America's most successful heritage recovery projects. Located across from the Government Palace (Palacio de los López) in the heart of Asunción's historic center, it consists of a group of nine restored historic houses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The oldest, Casa Viola, was built between 1750 and 1758 in Spanish colonial style. The restoration of the complex began in 1991 under the direction of architect and artist Carlos Colombino, and the project was internationally recognized as a model of urban rehabilitation. Today, Manzana de la Rivera functions as an active cultural center of the Municipality of Asunción: it houses art exhibitions, the Carlos Colombino Municipal Library, art galleries, spaces for cultural events and the office of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation. For foreign visitors, this architectural complex is a must-see: it combines the beauty of restored colonial architecture with an active cultural program and its privileged location facing the Paraguay River. Admission is free.