Standing in the center of the historic old town of Asuncion is the Panteon de los Heroes. It is one of the principle sights of Asuncion and so belongs on all visitors list of places to visit.
The Panteon de los Heroes is located on Calle Palma Asucions principal shopping street. Opposite stands the Lido Bar. This well know bar has been serving customers for many decades and is an Asuncion institution.
The Panteon itself was modeled on Les Invalides in Paris in the mid 19th century. Work on its construction began in 1863 under the direction of Francisco Lopez. However the work was interrupted by the War of the Triple Alliance which began shortly afterwards. Accordingly its construction was not finally completed until 1936. Once finished the Panteon was the inaugurated on 12th October 1936.
On the steps outside the Panteon there stands a military guard every day. They are in full dress uniform with a changing of the guards taking place several times every day. The Paraguayan flag is raised every morning outside the Panteon and lowered every evening. The honour of guarding the Panteon is rotated through the forces.
The building itself is open all day to the public. As well as tourists it is a popular visiting spot for Paraguayans. A historic site and a small oasis of calm in the center of the city.
Within the Panteon the walls were until recently covered by a slightly garish display of commemorative plaques. These had been donated over the course of many years by visiting foreign dignitaries.
However in recent years the Panteon was closed for some time for renovations. Whilst these were done the plaques were removed and the walls repainted a gleaming white. This repainting has restored the harmony of the atmosphere within the Panteon.
The Panteon de los Heroes prefoms two principal functions for Asuncion and Paraguay. The first is that it stands as the national mausoleum.
In the center of the Panteon their is a circular vault which is viewed from above. This contains the remains of Paraguayan leaders and war heroes such as Mariscal Lopez and Mariscal Estigarribia. Additionally on a plinth in the very center is the tomb of the Unknown Child Soldier.
This child soldier was killed in the battle of Acosta Nu on 15th August 1869. It was one of the very last engagements in the War of the Triple Alliance. By then most of the fighting men of Paraguay had already fallen. In their place an army of poorly armed children aged between 12 and 16 was sent to be mown down by the might of the Brazilian army.
In alcoves in the walls within the Panteon are likenesses of Paraguayan leaders. Also above in the stained glass windows of the domed roof a shown a number of historical figures.
The second function of the Panteon de los Heroes is that it is the home of the Oratory of the Virgin Our Lady St Mary of Asuncion. The altar piece fills the entire rear wall of the Panteon.
It is a large glistening work of art. Decorated heavily in gold and containing the images of a number of saints. The central feature though is the statue of The Virgin Our Lady St Mary of Asuncion. As intended her statue dominates the altar piece.
There is outside the Panteon one final reason for visiting. On the pavements in front of the Panteon indigenous women set up stall to sell their handicrafts. These handicrafts are much the same as those available in the gift shops. However here the prices are far lower and purchases can be made directly from the artists or members of their family or tribe.
All this makes the Panteon de los Heroes a site not to be missed when visiting Asuncion.
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