Chipachyryry · CC0Villa Elisa
A colony founded in 1899, the only one in the country settled by Swedes, Belgians, Danes and Germans.
What it is
Villa Elisa is 16 km from Asunción and is today an active city of over 71,000 inhabitants (2022 census), with 16 neighbourhoods. It began as an agricultural colony and is remembered as the only colony in Paraguay settled by Swedes, Belgians, Danes and Germans. Places of interest include the Virgen del Carmen parish, whose patron saint festival is on 16 July; the Paseo de los Ilustres, with monuments to the founders, opened in 2018; the Municipal Museum; and the Rafael Rojas Doria Amphitheatre, which holds about a thousand people. It is also known as the capital of folk culture in the southern part of the metropolitan area.
What to see and do
- The Virgen del Carmen parish
- The Paseo de los Ilustres (2018)
- The Municipal Museum
- The Rafael Rojas Doria Amphitheatre
Did you know…?
The Municipal Museum (Don José Domingo Medina) occupies one of the oldest houses in the city, dating from the early 20th century and known as Sanidad Cué because it served as a field hospital during the Chaco War.
History
It was founded on 21 June 1899 by Emilio Johansen. The colony, at first called Belgian Colony and later Colonia Elisa, received Scandinavian and other northern European immigrants.
Tips
- The patron saint festival on 16 July is the best time to see community life.
- It makes a half-day trip from Asunción.
Check opening hours before you go.
Best time: Mornings; 16 July for the patron saint festival.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Nearby
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.