The Cathedral of Asuncion is located in the historic center of Asuncion. It has given its name to the district of La Catedral in which it sits.

The full official title of the cathedral is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion in Spanish. It is the religious heart of Asuncion.

The cathedral occupies along with the Catholic University one side of the large Plaza de la Independencia. Another side of the plaza backing onto Asuncion Bay is occupied by the old National Congress or Cabildo. Since the relocation of parliament to a new building on a third side of the plaza this has been converted into a national museum. The final side of the plaza backing onto the city center is filled by the national police head quarters.

There has been a cathedral on this site since the mid 17th century. The original 17th century cathedral was the first diocese of the Rio de la Plata.

That building was replaced by the one seen today in the mid 19th century. The current cathedral building was completed and inaugurated in 1845. This was during the time of the President Carlos Lopez who aimed to modernize Asuncion with a number of building projects across the city.

The interior of the cathedral is plain and simple without the lavish decorations religious buildings of an earlier age received. However there is some brilliance within the cathedral in the form of the high altar. This is coated with both Jesuit and Franciscan silver and beautifully decorated.

The eye catching brightness of the high altar is in sharp contrast to to simplicity of the rest of the interior. This alone makes the cathedral more than worthy of a visit.

Unfortunately outside mass the cathedrals great front doors are generally kept firmly closed. They are open from time to time but as the building is a functioning religious one rather than simply a site for tourists these openings are uncommon.

I have though found another entrance into the cathedral. Halfway down its side, along the street and away from the plaza there is a small door. This is often open to allow church functionaries and cleaners access to the building. Entering here, halfway the building I have been able to view the altar piece undisturbed and without the crowds that fill the cathedral for every mass.

Being the principal church of the country it is used to host major national events. At every presidential inauguration after the political ceremony in parliament the delegates all cross the plaza for a national mass in the cathedral. Additionally during the two papal visits that have been made to Paraguay mass has been held there.

It is not though solely a place for events of a national religious or political significance. It is also the preferred location for high society weddings. Everyone who is anyone would hope to attend such and event in their finest attire.

For the rest of the population and for tourists alike it is one of the sites not to be missed when visiting Central Asuncion.