Cmasi · CC BY-SA 4.0Museo 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.
What it is
The Villa Real barracks, in Concepción's historic centre, was built by order of Marshal Francisco Solano López and inaugurated in 1864. Today it works as a museum and is one of the few buildings from that period still standing in the north. Its rooms hold photographs of notable people, weapons and munitions from Paraguay's wars. Entry is free according to SENATUR, making it an easy stop on any walk around the city.
What to see and do
- Building from the Solano López era
- Historic weapons and munitions
- Photographs of notable figures
Did you know…?
It opened in 1864, the year the war against Brazil began.
Concepción was a base of operations for the Mato Grosso campaign.
History
According to La Nación, the troops of General Resquín set out from this barracks for the Mato Grosso campaign at the start of the War of the Triple Alliance.
Tips
- Combine it with Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church and the waterfront, a few blocks away.
- Check hours with the municipality: it is a local museum.
Check hours before you go.
Best time: Year-round.
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
Iglesia 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.
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.