Palacio de Lopez (Palace of the Lopez), Asuncion (must see)

The Palacio de los López is a significant architectural and historical landmark. Serving as the official workplace of the President of Paraguay and the seat of the national government, the palace stands as one of Asunción's cultural treasures. Overlooking the Bay of Asunción, the palace derives its name from General Francisco Solano López, the son of Carlos Antonio López, who led Paraguay from 1841 to 1862. Carlos Antonio López commissioned the construction of the palace as a residence for his son, with English architect Alonso Taylor beginning the work in 1857.

The materials for the palace were sourced from various locations across Paraguay, including stones from Emboscada and Altos, woods and tiles from Ñeembucú and Yaguarón, and bricks from Tacumbú. The palace is designed in a U-shape, featuring two main floors and a four-story tower that prominently displays the flag of the Republic. The Palacio de los López is adorned with unique ornaments and is surrounded by a small garden at its entrance, which welcomes foreign delegations and visitors alike.

Despite its grandeur, the palace's history is marked by tumultuous events. It was nearly completed in 1867 when the War of the Triple Alliance erupted, resulting in the palace being bombed and looted by a coalition of Brazilian and Argentinean forces. Francisco Solano López, who went to the battlefield during the conflict, never lived in the palace.

Today, the Palacio de los López stands in excellent condition, serving as a symbol of Paraguay's government. Its stunning nighttime illumination adds to its appeal, making it a must-visit site in the capital of this South American nation.