Aterovi · Public domainVilleta
A colonial port on the Paraguay River, scene of the December 1868 campaign, with a brand-new riverside promenade.
What it is
Villeta faces the Paraguay River: it's the port and industrial town south of Asunción, but also one of the most history-laden. The battles of Avay and Itá Ybaté were fought nearby in December 1868, remembered today with monuments, and the Villeta Historical and Cultural Museum preserves that memory. Since 2025 its Paseo Costero (riverside promenade) has added a beach, a pier and sweeping river views for sunset. Until the 1930s its port was famous for exporting oranges.
What to see and do
- Paseo Costero (opened in May 2025): beach, pier and sunset over the river
- The Villeta Historical and Cultural Museum
- Monuments to the battles of Avay (opposite the municipal cemetery) and Itá Ybaté, site of Marshal López's camp
- The parish church of Our Lady of the Rosary, of colonial origin
Did you know…?
Its first name, San Felipe de Borbón en el Valle de Baztán, honored Philip V and a valley in Navarre.
Some 3,500 Paraguayan soldiers died at the Battle of Avay on December 11, 1868.
It was known as 'the city of oranges' for its exporting port.
History
Governor Juan Gregorio Bazán de Pedraza founded it on March 5, 1714 as San Felipe de Borbón en el Valle de Baztán. The church of Our Lady of the Rosary was built between 1714 and 1717, rebuilt between 1727 and 1729, and served as a Brazilian field hospital during the occupation. In December 1868 the Paraguayan army faced the Allied offensive here at Ytororó (6th), Avay (11th) and Itá Ybaté (21st to 27th).
Tips
- Before going into the river, check that the beach is open for swimming and stay within the marked areas.
- Combine your visit with Ypané: the Ytororó monument is on the way.
Best time: Autumn through spring; sunsets on the Paseo Costero.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Nearby
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.