Catedral Metropolitana Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
The oldest cathedral in continental South America, founded in 1539
About Catedral Metropolitana Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Asunción is the city's principal Catholic church and the seat of the first diocese of the Río de la Plata. The first main church of Asunción, built of wood and mud, dates from 1539 — just two years after the city's founding — and was raised to cathedral status on January 10, 1548, under the patronage of the Virgin of the Assumption. Throughout its history, the church was rebuilt several times due to fires, floods, and political decisions.
In 1687 it was decided to move the cathedral to higher ground to avoid flooding; the new building was inaugurated on November 30, 1689. The current building corresponds to a later construction, begun on May 10, 1842, during the government of Carlos Antonio López and Mariano Roque Alonso, designed by military architect Pascual Urdapilleta, and blessed on October 27, 1845.
Built in neoclassical style, the cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, patron saint of the capital city, and has a main altar clad in silver. It has received notable papal visits: John Paul II in 1988, and Pope Francis, who presided over a vespers celebration in the church on July 11, 2015.
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Opening Hours
- Monday 06:15–14:00
- Tuesday 06:15–19:00
- Wednesday Today 06:15–14:00
- Thursday 06:15–14:00
- Friday 06:15–14:00
- Saturday 11:00–12:00
- Sunday 09:00–12:00
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