Founding of Asuncion in Paraguay – August 15, 2026

History of Founding of Asuncion in Paraguay

Asuncion is the capital and largest city of Paraguay in South America. The city stands on the east bank of the Paraguay River, almost at the confluence of the river with the Pilcomayo River. It is one of the oldest cities in South America and the longest permanently inhabited area in the Rio de la Plata Basin. For this reason, it is called “The Mother of the Cities.”

The Spanish conquistador Juan de Ayolas may have visited the site of the city for the first time on his way north, up the Paraguay River, looking for a passage to the mines of Alto Peru (modern-day Bolivia). Later, Juan de Salazar y Espinosa and Gonzalo de Mendoza went to look for Ayolas, but could not find him. Down the river, where Salazar stopped briefly in a bay on the left bank to replenish his ships, he met friendly natives and decided to establish a fort there in August 1537. He named it Nuestra Señora Santa María de la Asunción (Our Lady of the Assumption). In 1542, the natives destroyed Buenos Aires, and the Spaniards fled to Asuncion. Therefore, the city became the center of a large Spanish colonial province, which included parts of Brazil, modern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina: the giant Province of the Indies.

Since Paraguay became independent, significant changes have taken place in Asuncion. During the reign of Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia, roads were built, and streets were named throughout the city. However, during the presidency of Carlos Antonio López, Asuncion (and Paraguay) saw further progress as the new president introduced new economic policies.