In the heart of Asunción, Plaza Uruguaya stands as a living testament to the city’s rich history. For many who grew up in the mid-20th century, this iconic square was more than just a park; it was a gathering place, a stage for performances. And a place that represented the city’s way of life during its most unforgettable days.
A historical transformation
Plaza Uruguaya has a long and meaningful history. In the 17th century, it was known as Plaza San Francisco and was part of a Franciscan area where enslaved people were kept. Later, during the time of Dr. José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, it was turned into military barracks. After the Paraguayan War, the land was sold.
In 1885, exactly 140 years ago in 2025, the plaza was renamed to honour Uruguay’s support, when the country returned war trophies, and forgave Paraguay’s war debt. The new name was a way to show gratitude and strengthen the bond between the two countries.
Plaza Uruguaya: A gathering place for all
In the 1960s and 1970s, Plaza Uruguaya was a place filled with trees and antique iron benches, offering a calm space in a city just beginning to modernize. Children ran barefoot through the plaza, laughing as pigeons flew around and music playing in the background. Vendors sold chipitas (a traditional Paraguayan bread), sweets, or little toys made of tin or wood. Teenagers gathered under the trees with guitars and sang softly in Guaraní.
But perhaps the greatest magic of Plaza Uruguaya was that everyone felt welcome. It was a place for all. Old men playing chess on wooden boards, women reading books in the shade, students sketching or reciting poetry aloud. In a time when homes did not always have air conditioning and television, the plaza was a public space that felt personal. A living room shared by the city.
During last month’s Fiestas Patrias (Patriotic Holidays), Plaza Uruguaya stood at the heart of Asunción’s patriotic celebrations, filled with cultural festivities.
Honouring Mangoré
One of the most important features of Plaza Uruguaya is the statue of Agustín Pío Barrios, affectionately known as Mangoré. Unveiled in 2017, this nearly three-meter-tall sculpture honours the legendary Paraguayan guitarist, believed to have performed his final concert at the plaza, before departing for El Salvador. The statue, crafted by the Dominican artist Juan Gilberto Núñez, honours Mangoré’s impact around the world and the pride he brought to the people of Paraguay.
The soul of old Asunción
Plaza Uruguaya is not just a place on a map, it is a place in the heart. Its rich history, cultural significance, and the memories it holds make it a cherished landmark in Asunción. Whether you are sitting on a bench under the shade of a tree, enjoying a local treat from a vendor, or simply watching the world go by: Plaza Uruguaya offers a glimpse into the soul of old Asunción.
Even as the city changes and grows, Plaza Uruguaya stays the same. Offering a peaceful place where people can slow down, remember the past, and enjoy being together.
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