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Altar at Ascunción cathedral
Photo: Jose Manuel

Asunción is the largest city in Paraguay and is home to around half a million people. The historic centre dates back to 1537 when Spanish conquerors founded the Fort of Our Lady of Asunción. The fort quickly became a hub for the Spaniards due to the friendliness of the native population, the Guaranis. They signed their alliance by blood and marriages. This was the origin of a new race: the mestizos who account for 90% of the current Paraguyan population.

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