Manzana de la Rivera
Asunción
Manzana de la Rivera is a unique cultural complex located in Asunción, Paraguay, comprising a restored antique city block with nine historic houses. Situated opposite the Government House, it serves as a museum, library, theater, and café hub that embodies Paraguayan history and culture. The complex includes colonial and neoclassical architecture dating from the 18th to early 20th centuries, featuring buildings like the Viola House (circa 1750), which hosts the Museo Memoria de la Ciudad, and the Clari House, now a café and art gallery. The site was saved from demolition in 1989 through a citizen campaign and restored starting in 1991. It offers diverse cultural activities such as exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and educational programs. The Manzana de la Rivera stands out for its blend of architectural heritage and vibrant contemporary cultural life, making it a key symbol of Paraguayan identity and a must-visit cultural destination in Asunción.
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Astuce: Visit during weekdays when cultural events and exhibitions are regularly held; check the official website to book tickets or reserve spots for special shows. Early planning is recommended for popular events. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The complex is centrally located and accessible by public transport.
Faits intéressants
- •The Viola House dates back to between 1750 and 1758 and features traditional Paraguayan construction techniques such as a palm and tacuara roof gallery.
- •The Castelví House, built in 1804 by Catalan José Castelvi, retains original doors, windows, and floors from the colonial period.
- •The Ruy Diaz de Guzmán auditorium within the Clari-Mestre House hosts concerts, theater, dance, and book presentations.
- •The Patio Arecayá garden commemorates the Arecayá Indian rebellion and is used for outdoor cultural activities.
Histoire
The Manzana de la Rivera's restoration began in 1991 following a 1989 grassroots campaign to save the historic city block from demolition.
Originally composed of colonial and neoclassical houses built between the 18th and early 20th centuries, the site was preserved to maintain Asunción's architectural heritage.
Over time, the complex evolved to house museums, libraries, cultural offices, and performance spaces, becoming a cultural landmark.
Its preservation reflects Paraguay's post-dictatorship cultural revival and commitment to heritage conservation.
Guide du lieu
Viola House1750-1758
A colonial-era building from the mid-18th century showcasing traditional Paraguayan architecture with a tile roof and palm-tacuara gallery. It houses the Museo Memoria de la Ciudad, exhibiting maps, paintings, and artifacts narrating Asunción's history.
Clari House and Miguel Acevedo AdditionEarly 20th century
Early 20th-century Art Nouveau style house now serving as a café bar with an adjoining contemporary art gallery space in the Miguel Acevedo addition.
Clari-Mestre House and Ruy Diaz de Guzmán Auditorium1912
Neoclassical building from 1912 featuring an auditorium used for cultural events including concerts, theater, and book presentations.
Vertúa House1898
Neoclassical house built in 1898, now home to the Municipal Library with over 20,000 volumes and a mobile library service visiting schools and parks.
Emasa House
Former customs office and printing house, now housing the Cultural Centre, Spanish Cooperation Agency, and Paraguayan Booksellers Chamber, with an exhibition gallery for sculptures and artworks.
Castelví House1804
Colonial house built in 1804 by José Castelvi, retaining original colonial features and hosting exhibition rooms and a children's playroom. The garden is named Patio Arecayá in honor of a local indigenous rebellion.
Serra I and Serra II Houses
Two neoclassical houses merged into one, featuring double hallways and rooms facing the street, representing early 20th-century residential architecture.
Contact
Téléphone: (021) 442 448