World Heritage Sites Remaining in Paraguay! The Jesuit Missions of Jesús de Tavarangüe

Paraguay, located almost in the center of South America, is a landlocked country bordered by Brazil to the northeast and Argentina to the southwest. Paraguay, which has about the same land area as Japan, has the only World Heritage Site in this country, "Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe."

This World Heritage Site was also the setting for the Academy Award-winning film "The Mission," starring Robert De Niro. Overlapping with the theme of the film, you can trace the trajectory of the dreams of Jesuit missionaries who crossed over to South America in the 17th and 18th centuries in search of an ideal land. Here, we will introduce the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe.

What are the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe?

The Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe is a World Heritage Site registered in 1993 in South American Paraguay. As of March 2018, it is the only World Heritage Site in Paraguay. This land is one of the small settlement groups "Reducciones" built by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th to 18th centuries to spread Christianity to the indigenous people of South America and to create their ideal land.

Since most of the settlements were built on land with nothing, the indigenous people and missionaries lived self-sufficient lives. Chapels, statues, sacred objects, and clothing were made together, and these settlements were also built in the Paraná River basin spanning Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.

After that, Spain, fearing the power of this region, expelled the missionaries in 1767, and the Reducciones declined. It continued to be left for several hundred years, but the ruins of Trinidad are well preserved and registered as a World Heritage Site.

Access to the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe

It is located about 30km east of Encarnación, southeast of the capital Asunción, on National Route 6. Since transportation is not very good, participation in a tour is recommended. A bus also departs from Encarnación, but it is difficult to return to the town, so it is better to use a taxi for a round trip.

Since the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe are far apart, it is recommended to use a rental car or taxi.

2 Recommended Points of the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe

La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná

Built in 1706, La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná has weathered, but it has been restored, so it is in a better state of preservation among the mission groups. It is a World Heritage Site that is evaluated for its artistic value, so it is not to be missed.

Among the ruins of Trinidad, the painting of an angel holding a musical instrument, depicted in the largest cathedral, is a must-see. It is clear that the Jesuits brought musical culture to the indigenous people, the Guarani. You can feel the great influence of the technology and culture they brought to the Guarani people. Their influence may be alive in some form in present-day Paraguay.

The observatory, which used to be able to overlook a village 10km away, is also a highlight. Other highlights include churches, clock towers, and residential ruins.

Jesús de Tavarangüe Jesuit Mission

Jesús de Tavarangüe is also one of the Jesuit Mission ruins, but here, construction was discontinued unfinished, so only the foundation part of the church remains. However, the ruins still remain thanks to the restoration by the Paraguayan government.

The impressive walls have an outstanding impact! It is separated from the ruins of Trinidad, but it does not take much time, so please visit the World Heritage Site of Jesús de Tavarangüe. You will be able to feel the dreams and thoughts of the Jesuit missionaries in front of the large walls.

◎ Summary

We have introduced the only World Heritage Site in Paraguay, the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe. It is a romantic World Heritage Site where you can trace the trajectory of the dreams and hopes for the ideal land of the missionaries.

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World Heritage Sites Remaining in Paraguay! The Jesuit Missions of Jesús de Tavarangüe