Paraguay, formerly called “The Giant Province of the Indies", was born as a result of the encounter of the Spanish conquerors with the native Guaraní indigenous groups. The meeting of these two distinct cultures was a process that assumed very particular characteristics here, that differs from all its neighbors in South America. The living manifestation of this "crossing" of civilizations is expressed most notably in the use of two languages, Spanish and Guaraní, concurrently throughout the country and legally enshrined by the Constitution.

 

Starting in the 15th century, Paraguay became the main route to other destinations around the continent. Asunción has been traditionally known as “Mother of Cities", serving as a place from where the Spaniards departed to found new Colonies.

 

The Franciscans, on the other hand, arrived in Paraguay in the second half of the 16th Century and they founded several communities throughout the country. Their cultural influence was enormous, due to the fact that they consolidated the life style of locals and the daily use of both, the Spanish and Guaraní Languages. Some of these works of art can be seen in the churches and museums of the cities of Capiatá, Yaguarón, Itá, Altos, Caazapá, Atyrá, Ypané, Piribebuy, and Tobatí, just a short ride from Asunción.

 

A substantial chapter in the history of the country was the presence of the missionaries of the “Company of Jesus” (Jesuits) (1609 - 1768), and constituted one of the great utopian period experiences in the region establishing what was known as the Reductions of Guaraní Tribes. Important testimonies in the country left from that time are: the Ruins of Santísima Trinidad and Jesus (declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO), San Ignacio Guazú, San Cosme and San Damián, Santiago, Santa Maria and Santa Rosa. Arts and music flourished during this period and left an artistic legacy of supreme beauty also known as the “Guaraní Baroque”.

 

The post Jesuit era was characterized by the decrease of population in the Reductions until they were totally abandoned. The balance based on the reciprocity and redistribution, main Jesuit–Guaraní model characteristic was broken due to the spiritual and human power separation.

 

Paraguay becomes independent from Spain in 1811. A Provisional Government is created and ever since, the country has been through different periods including two wars, dictatorships, democratic transition and finally constitutional regimes.