- Address: 14 de Mayo esq. Pdte. Franco, Asunción, Paraguay
- Phone: +595 21 493 918
- Website: www.casadelaindependencia.org.py
- E-mail: casa.independencia.py@hotmail.com
- Date of construction: 1772
- Opening date: May 14, 1965
- Opening hours: 8:00 to 18:00 daily, except Sundays
The House of Independence is the oldest building in Asuncion . It was erected in 1772 for the colonist Antonio Martinez Saens. His sons, whom the house inherited, were participants in a conspiracy to overthrow the Spanish governor Velasco, and the conspirators often gathered in their house.
From here they went to the governor to present him with an ultimatum, and it was here in May 1811 that the Declaration of Independence of Paraguay was proclaimed, which gave the house its name.
The Museum
Today, the Casa de la Indépencia is home to a museum whose exposition is dedicated to the struggle for the independence of Paraguay from the Spanish domination and its key figures.
The house consists of five rooms: a study, a dining room, a bedroom, a living room and an oratorio - a prayer room. The rooms are located around the patio - a permanent attribute of colonial architecture houses. In the office there are important documents of the times of the struggle for the independence of the state. Here you can see the table that belonged to Fernando de la Mora, as well as several paintings, including the canvas painting by Jaime Béstard, depicting the presentation of an ultimatum to Governor Velasco.
In the dining room, a typical interior of the colonial era is recreated. There are original furniture and items belonging to the conspirators, including the saber of Fulgencio Jegrass. Also in the dining room is a portrait of Dr. Gaspar Rodriguez de France.
In the living room you can see a stunningly beautiful crystal chandelier, French furniture made in 1830, bronze braziers, and carvings of religious themes made in the workshops of the Franciscan and Jesuit orders. The walls are decorated with portraits of Pedro Juan Caballero and Fulgencio Jegrass.
The bed and the embroidered shirt in the bedroom belonged to Fernando de la Mora; portrait of a national hero hanging on the wall. In addition, there is a curious "chair of health", a genoflex and other subjects. In the oratorio you can see a variety of religious objects and a portrait of the priest Francisco Javier Bogarin.
Courtyard and alley
The corridor, decorated with carved wooden panels, leads to the patio, on the wall of which you can see a mural depicting the Declaration of Independence of Paraguay and the first coat of arms of the state. Under the fresco there is a sundial from the Jesuit mission of Santa Rosa .
In the corner of the courtyard is the grave of one of the founders of Paraguay, Juan Batista Rivarola Matto. His remains were transported here from the cemetery of Barreo Grande.
From the house you can go into a small alley, which also played an important historical role. According to him, the conspirators went to the governor's palace to overthrow him. According to him, one of them, Juan Maria de Lara, went to the cathedral to ask the priests, with the help of bell ringing, to inform the people that the country gained independence.
Opposite the house, through the alley, is the chapter room, which is also part of the museum. The room is decorated with the coat of arms of Spain (such as it was in 1800), a portrait of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and several paintings telling about the revolutionary struggle of Paraguay, which led to the recognition of his independence.
How to visit the House of Independence?
The building is located on the corner of May 14 streets and President Franco. This is the historical center of the city, and from other city attractions can be reached on foot. The museum does not work on Sundays, Easter and Christmas, as well as on December 31, January 1 and May 1.