The town of Piribebuy is known for its colonial charm, traditional festivities, and deep historical roots. The city is located 73 kilometres east of Asunción, in the Cordillera Department. Now the town finds itself in the spotlight as restoration begins on one of its landmarks: the Dulce Nombre de Jesús Sanctuary, also known as Ñandejara Guasú Temple. The project, funded by ITAIPU Binacional, marks the beginning of a national initiative to safeguard Paraguay’s cultural and architectural heritage.
A new chapter for the old Ñandejara Guasú Temple
The Ñandejara Guasú Temple holds a special place in Piribebuy’s identity, standing as a testament to both faith and resilience. With preliminary and archaeological studies completed, work officially began. Under the supervision of MES Ingeniería S.A., the contractor is in charge of the restoration. The project focuses mostly on structural rehabilitation. As well as addressing settlement issues in the foundations, repairing the adobe walls, and restoring the roof. All while maintaining the authenticity of the original design.
The works will last one full year. During this time, experts in conservation and architecture will collaborate to preserve the temple’s historical integrity while ensuring its long-term stability.
The Tekorenda programme
This initiative forms part of Tekorenda (that place of life in Guarani) programme. The National Secretariat of Culture (SNC) is in charge of the initiative. But also, the project is done in partnership with the ITAIPU-Paraguay Technological Park Foundation (FPTI-PY). Beyond the restoration itself, the programme seeks to raise awareness about the value of cultural heritage, and strengthen national identity through the recovery of significant historical sites.
The Paraguayan government will execute the first of eight heritage projects in Paraguay at the Dulce Nombre de Jesús Temple. Each site, though unique in character, shares a common goal: to reconnect communities with their past while promoting sustainable tourism and education.
More landmarks undergo restoration
Following Piribebuy, several other landmarks will soon undergo restoration. These include the Areguá Railway Station, the Ybytymí Railway Station, and the San Salvador de Guairá Railway Station. Also, the San Pedro del Ycuamandiyú House of Culture, the San Atanasio de Isla Umbú Temple in Ñeembucú, and the San Buenaventura de Yaguarón Temple. Lastly, the La Recova Corridor in Asunción.
In total, US$5 million will be provided by ITAIPU for this first phase. While the restoration contracts for some sites, such as San Pedro’s Casa de la Cultura and the San Salvador and Ybytymí railway stations, are being finalised, others like La Recova and the Isla Umbú Temple are currently in the tendering stage, under the coordination of the FPTI-PY.
Strengthening Paraguayan identity
The restoration of the Ñandejara Guasú Temple not only protects a historic monument, but also reaffirms the cultural and spiritual identity of Piribebuy and the nation as a whole. For locals, it is a source of pride; for visitors, it is a window into Paraguay’s layered past and enduring traditions.
Read more: The restoration of the San Joaquín and Santa Ana church is complete.
