A landmark building in downtown Asunción, once home to one of Paraguay’s most important feminist pioneers, Serafina Dávalos, will soon be restored and repurposed. It will turn into a public institution and cultural center under a new agreement signed between national agencies.
The house belonged to Serafina Dávalos, the first woman in Paraguay to earn a law degree, and a doctorate in legal sciences. Dávalos was born on September 9, 1877, in Coronel Oviedo, formerly known as Ajos, in Caaguazú. She earned her doctorate in law in 1907 and actively served as a federal judge when women still lacked voting rights. She advanced women’s rights and gender equality as a trailblazer in the early 20th century.
Her former residence, located in Asunción at Herrera 892, between Estados Unidos and Tacuary, is already recognised as a site of national cultural heritage. It will now be transformed into the future headquarters of the Office of the Attorney General. The house will also have a space to honour and preserve her legacy.
Restoration of Casa Serafina Dávalos
The restoration project is the result of a cooperative agreement between the Institute of Social Security (IPS), the Office of the Attorney General (PGR), and the National Secretariat of Culture (SNC). It is part of the broader Asunción 500 Programme. A public initiative aimed at revitalising the city’s historic center in anticipation of the capital’s 500th anniversary in 2037. The Office of the First Lady actively supports the programme. Its goal is to rescue and repurpose buildings of historical and cultural value across the city.
Under the agreement, the IPS is granting the property to the Attorney General Office through a 30-year usufruct, as outlined in Paraguay’s Civil Code. PGR will be responsible for preparing the architectural restoration plan, securing the required permits and financing. The Attorney General Office will also carry out the construction work. Once the renovation is complete, the building will be maintained and operated by the PGR.
Meanwhile, the National Secretariat of Culture will provide technical guidance and ensure that the interventions comply with Paraguay’s Cultural Heritage Protection Law (Law No. 5621/2016).
House with a purpose
The restored building will serve a dual purpose: housing government offices and offering a public-facing cultural space. Visitors will be able to learn about Dávalos’ life and her role in the country’s history. Officials emphasised that this type of institutional cooperation is essential for preserving Paraguay’s cultural identity. It creates new historic spaces for civic engagement and education.
The restoration of Serafina Dávalos’ home marks not only the preservation of an architectural landmark but also a powerful act of memory. It is recognising the contributions of a woman who helped shape Paraguay’s legal and social landscape.
