RIVERA MANZANA

The municipal cultural center is made up of nine houses from different eras. The oldest is Casa Viola, built between 1750 and 1758, with adobe walls and a tiled roof. It has preserved the site of the colonial grid, prior to the developments of Dr Francia's era. The Memoria de la Ciudad museum tells the story of Asunción from its foundation to the present day, with old maps, newspaper articles, photographs, paintings and models. The Art Nouveau-style Casa Clarí dates from the early 20th century. Inside, the Miguel Acevedo space (famous Paraguayan caricaturist) is dedicated to the visual arts, with exhibitions of paintings, drawings, photos and sculptures. The neoclassical Casa Clari-Mestre (1912) features an auditorium (dedicated to Ruy Díaz de Guzmán, the first Creole writer) where theater and dance troupes perform. Casa Vertúa (1898), also in neoclassical style, houses the municipal library. Casa Ballario (1901), in neoclassical style, houses an interesting historical museum devoted to Paraguay's emblematic instrument, the harp. Casa Emasa offers an exhibition space (La Galería) with temporary installations. Finally, Casa Castelví (1804), the best-preserved colonial house, has a pleasant patio where various cultural activities are organized. And to recharge your batteries after all that, head to the terrace of the bar-restaurant for a lovely view of the Presidential Palace just opposite.