Itauguá — National Capital of Ñandutí

Itauguá is a city in Paraguay's Central Department, founded on 27 June 1728 by Martín de Barúa, located about 30 km from Asunción along Route PY02 toward Ciudad del Este. Recognized nationally and internationally for ñandutí, its delicate handwoven lace, it was declared National Capital of Ñandutí (departmental ordinance no. 12/04 in 2004 and Law no. 4591 in 2012). Each year it hosts the National Ñandutí Festival, with serenades, craft exhibitions, music and folk dance.

Its historic center preserves colonial architecture and two notable churches: the Virgen del Rosario Church (built between 1886 and 1908), a cultural and religious landmark, and the San Francisco de Asís Church. The San Rafael Parish Museum, opened in 1964 behind the church, displays colonial sacred art, religious imagery, ñandutí samplers and the first ñandutí dress of Our Lady of the Rosary. It is an ideal stop to explore Paraguayan craft culture, buy pieces directly from the weavers and, in season, taste the local strawberries.