Juliorubeneli · CC BY-SA 4.0Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
Concepción's main church, with an altar and painting by artist Carlos Colombino and a Virgin of Częstochowa gifted by John Paul II.
What it is
The church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is the city's religious heart and stands in its central area. Inside you will find a holy-water font carved in pink marble, a wooden Crucifixion sculptural group, and images of the Virgen del Carmen, Saint Joseph and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It also has a painting by Carlos Colombino, who also made the altar, and an image of the Virgin of Częstochowa that was a gift from Pope John Paul II. It is a good visit for anyone interested in Paraguayan religious art. The current cathedral began to be built in 1960, after the previous church collapsed in 1959, and was finished in 1968; according to La Nación, the inaugural mass was held on 8 December of that year.
What to see and do
- Altar and painting by Carlos Colombino
- Pink marble holy-water font
- Image of the Virgin of Częstochowa
Did you know…?
The altar and one painting are by Carlos Colombino.
The Virgin of Częstochowa image was a gift from John Paul II.
Tips
- It is a working church: visit outside mass times and dress respectfully.
- Add the María Auxiliadora monument, a few blocks away.
Check worship and visiting hours before you go.
Best time: Year-round; 8 December is the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Concepción Expo (formerly Expo Norte)
The north’s great livestock and trade fair, on the banks of the Paraguay River, relaunched in 2026 as Expo Concepción.
ExpoConcepción, Concepción8DecInmaculada Concepción · Concepción
A serenade to the Immaculate Conception, main Mass and a procession of vehicles through the neighborhoods of the «Pearl of the North».
Patron saintConcepción, ConcepciónFeaturedNearby
Concepción · Concepción
Museo del Cuartel de Villa Real
A barracks ordered by Francisco Solano López and inaugurated in 1864; today a free museum with period weapons and photographs.
Concepción · Concepción
Navegación por el río Paraguay desde Concepción
Days of river, herons and fishing: the Paraguay upstream, bound for the Chaco and the Pantanal.
Concepción · Concepción
Monumento a María Auxiliadora
A 24 m statue next to the Salesian school, described as the largest image in the country.
Concepción · Concepción
Concepción
The Pearl of the North: grand old mansions, a port with fiery sunsets and a gateway to the Paraguay River.
Belén · Concepción
Belén
The 'City of the Payé', where the Tropic of Capricorn passes through and the Ypané offers white-sand beaches.
Horqueta · Concepción
Horqueta
Capital of ka'a he'ẽ (stevia) and fine leatherwork: saddles, belts and beaches on the Aquidabán.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.