From the 1860s, Paraguay’s railway thrived with steam locomotives, driving progress until war and neglect silenced the tracks by the 1990s. Today, the Carlos Antonio Lopez Central Station Railway Museum in Asunción (Museo de la Estacion Central del Ferrocarril Carlos Antonio Lopez) stands as a testament to this bygone era, its restored locomotives, vintage carriages, and vivid exhibits drawing visitors into a journey through time.
Housed in the historic Central Station, the museum is one of the most enchanting and illustrious tourist destinations in Paraguay’s capital. On 21 October, the 164th anniversary of the inauguration of the train station was commemorated. Come join The Asunción Times on this unmissable historical trip to the past.
The beginning of a dream
This story starts with president Carlos Antonio López. He brought the most prestigious and vanguard engineers from Europe to eventually build what today is known as the Central Railway Station Museum. Originally used as a train station, it was built by italian Alejandro Ravizza and British Alonso Taylor, and opened in 1861. For more than a century and a half, it functioned as the heart and soul of Asunción, with its wagons going to far corners of Paraguay.
Inside the Central Station Railway Museum Asunción
In one of the rooms, we can admire the tickets used, dating back to the 1930s. Carlos Antonio López has a dedicated hall in his honour. Many of the books used by engineers at the time are also preserved, all in English. There is a hall devoted to all the stations constructed across the country, stretching from Asunción to Encarnación. In total, there were 42 Paraguayan train stations throughout history.
In another hall, a display showcases the clothing styles worn in the 1930s, highlighting how much our fashion has evolved over the years. Figures depicted recreate the first railway journey to Patiño city in 1909, located 28 kilometres from Asunción.
Paraguay’s first telegraph line
Numerous telegraph machines are exhibited as well. These were widely used at the time. Paraguay installed its first telegraph line in 1864, just before the outbreak of the War of the Triple Alliance, a bloody and tragic chapter in the nation’s history. The telegraph represented the most advanced communication technology of the era.
Though they may appear outdated to modern eyes, they were once the pinnacle of communication innovation. They proved invaluable to Paraguay during the war, particularly when Marshal Francisco Solano López needed to communicate with the front lines. The train services were also used by many of Paraguay’s presidents throughout its storied history, as evidenced by a photograph taken at “Eusebio Ayala,” known as the “President of Victory” for his leadership during the Chaco War.
A historical trip
Heading directly to the main yard, you will encounter Paraguay’s very first train. Inaugurated in 1861, its initial journey covered the route from Asunción to Yvyraity (now Trinidad). The train, renamed “Sapucai” (meaning “shout” in Guaraní language), retains most of its original materials, with some minor enhancements from a restoration a few years back.
Regrettably, you cannot board it, as its century-and-a-half age makes it fragile. So the dream of ringing a train’s bell must wait.
Samples of the train and rails were sent from London to serve as models. Later, the train was entirely constructed in Paraguay. The iron and other minerals needed were supplied by the factory in Ybycui. Thus, Paraguay secured the fifth train in South America.
Entering a notable wagon
Directly in front of the train stands a remarkable wagon, which once carried passengers to numerous destinations. A bar from that era is also present, having served countless drinks to travellers. It makes you wonder how they managed to drink without spilling everything on the floor! Additionally, there were three types of seats, the most luxurious being a bed-seat for longer journeys. During our visit, a group of tourists snaps photos of themselves inside the wagon.
Once inside, the scent of the past transports you to another era; one often recalled with nostalgia, when the demands of transportation were less pressing than today. When you hear stories from those who travelled by train in Paraguay, you might notice tears welling up. Recalling times that were not necessarily better, but somehow felt happier.
Central Station Railway Museum Asunción opening hours
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Ticket price: Gs. 10,000 (approximately US$1,40), Gs. 5,000 for students. Children under the age of 8 enter for free.
For more information, check the Central Station Railway Museum on Instagram.
