Iglesia de Ybaroty (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción)
A church built 1944–1957 with a French-inspired façade in Romanesque-Gothic style, by two Spanish priests.
What it is
The Ybaroty church, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, is one of Villarrica's most singular temples. It was built between 1944 and 1957 and its style combines Romanesque and Gothic elements, which is unusual in Paraguay. The main people behind the work were the Spanish priests Carlos Anasagasti, from Gipuzkoa, and Andrés Saralegui, from Cantabria. The façade is influenced by the cathedral of Angoulême, in France. It is a short visit on the downtown circuit, along with the Espíritu Santo cathedral and the Fermín López museum. Respect worship hours.
What to see and do
- French-inspired façade
- Romanesque-Gothic style
- Ybaroty neighbourhood setting
Did you know…?
The façade draws on the cathedral of Angoulême (France).
Two Spanish priests, from Gipuzkoa and Cantabria, drove the project.
History
Construction ran from 1944 until 1957, when the main building was completed, driven by Fathers Anasagasti and Saralegui.
Tips
- Visit outside Mass times.
- Combine it with Ortiz Guerrero Park and the cathedral.
Working church. Check opening hours before you go.
Best time: Year-round.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Guairá Carnival
Dance troupes, carnival royalty and drum bands in the Villarrica sambadrome, one of the most traditional carnivals outside the capital.
CarnivalVillarrica, GuairáFeaturedMayGuairá Rally (Codasur round)
The South American rally championship comes to the roads of Guairá, based in Villarrica, with stages among hills and farming colonies.
SportVillarrica, GuairáSepVillarrica Flower Parade
Themed floats from schools and youth groups roll through downtown Villarrica to welcome spring.
FestivalVillarrica, GuairáOctFestival de la Raza
One of the oldest folk festivals outside the capital, with artists from Guairá and a “Giant Night.”
MusicVillarrica, Guairá16MayEspíritu Santo · Villarrica
Procession around the cathedral, fireworks and a folk festival with jineteada (bronc riding) and a food fair.
Patron saintVillarrica, GuairáFeaturedNearby
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Parque Manuel Ortiz Guerrero y laguna Ycuá Pytá
A lagoon park in downtown Villarrica: boat rides, tame capybaras and the poet Ortiz Guerrero's tomb.
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Plaza de los Héroes y el memorial de las siete mudanzas de Villarrica
A square facing city hall, dedicated to Chaco War heroes, with a memorial of the city's seven relocations.
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Villarrica del Espíritu Santo
The 'wandering city' that moved seven times: capital of Guairá, cradle of poets and home of the Guairá Carnival.
Villarrica · Guairá
Parque del Guairá (Villarrica)
Villarrica's big green space with a 2.2 km bike path, public gym, courts and the Guaireña FC stadium.
Villarrica · Guairá
Antigua estación de ferrocarril de Villarrica
A railway station that no longer operates, now the stage for the San Juan festival and surrounded by period buildings.
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Mbocayaty del Guairá
Home of encaje ju lace, with an 1857 church, a municipal museum and Expo Guairá every October.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.