Palacete Villa Rosalba

Palacete Villa Rosalba: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to Asunción’s Historical Landmark

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Palacete Villa Rosalba, nestled in the heart of Asunción, Paraguay, is one of the city’s most distinguished architectural and cultural treasures. Completed in 1919 and named for Rosalba Ferraro—the wife of original owner Dr. José Emilio Pérez—this iconic mansion is celebrated for its unique blend of neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco styles. The villa, designed by Italian builders Antonio Marchese and Francisco Cacace, and adorned with sculptural works by Catalan artist Jaime Miquel, reflects the cosmopolitan spirit and aspirations of early 20th-century Paraguay (Villa Rosalba: A Historic Gem in Asunción – Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Tips; Villa Rosalba Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Asunción).

Over its century-long history, Villa Rosalba has served multiple roles: private residence, commercial venue, hotel, military headquarters, judicial center, and, most recently, an alternative seat of government. The villa’s preservation, through extensive restoration culminating in 2023, ensures its enduring legacy as a living monument to Paraguay’s urban and political evolution (Palacete Villa Rosalba Restoration and Visitor Guide; Villa Rosalba Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Asunción Historical Site).

This guide provides detailed information on Villa Rosalba’s history, architecture, restoration efforts, visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, travel tips, and neighboring attractions, offering visitors a comprehensive resource for exploring one of Asunción’s most important heritage sites (Villa Rosalba Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Asunción Historical Site; Asunción Times).

Introduction and History
Architectural Features
Restoration and Preservation
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Travel Tips and Visitor FAQs
Nearby Attractions
Practical Information and Contacts
References

1. History of Palacete Villa Rosalba

Early Origins and Construction (1909–1919)

The land for Villa Rosalba was purchased in 1910 by Dr. José Emilio Pérez from Justino Berthet, the Swedish consul. Construction was completed in 1919 by Italian builders Antonio Marchese and Francisco Cacace, with the mansion named in honor of Pérez’s wife, Rosalba Ferraro, daughter of Italian businessman Manuel Ferraro. The mansion’s grand scale and luxurious finishes set a new standard for residential architecture in Asunción, featuring 20 rooms, two balconies, and hand-drawn calcareous flooring (Listín Diario).

From Family Residence to Multifunctional Venue (1919–1986)

After its initial use as a family home, Villa Rosalba was repurposed several times:

Commercial Use: It housed a fine European fabric shop and, in the 1930s, operated as Hotel Rasmussen.
Government Acquisition: In 1943, the Paraguayan government acquired the villa, using it as the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, a symbol of military authority during the Stroessner era.
Judicial Center: The building later served as the Superior Military Justice Court and, from 2004 to 2016, as the seat of the Mercosur Tribunal Permanente de Revisión (tprmercosur.org).

Restoration and Modern Use (1986–Present)

Major restorations, including a comprehensive overhaul from 2018 to 2023, have preserved and enhanced the villa’s historic features. Today, Villa Rosalba serves as an alternative seat of government, equipped with modern amenities while maintaining its architectural integrity (Palacete Villa Rosalba Restoration and Visitor Guide).

2. Architectural Features

Villa Rosalba is renowned for its eclectic fusion of neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco elements:

Exterior: The facade showcases imposing columns, ornate moldings, and sculpted capitals and bases by Jaime Miquel.
Interior: Original hand-drawn calcareous floors and wooden doors are preserved in several rooms. The three-story structure features a minaret-like room with panoramic windows and a terrace, connecting to gardens with an automated irrigation system.
Layout: The original design included 20 rooms and two balconies, reflecting the elegant lifestyle of early 20th-century Asunción’s elite (swissinfo.ch).

3. Restoration and Preservation Efforts

Legal Protection

Villa Rosalba is protected under Paraguay’s “Ley 946/82 de Protección del Patrimonio Cultural,” listed in the municipal registry of protected sites, ensuring its conservation under the supervision of the National Secretariat of Culture and the Municipality of Asunción (Ministerio de Cultura Paraguay).

Major Restoration Projects

1960s and 1996: Initial renovations included removal of the rear balcony and upgrades for judicial use.
2004–2016: Restoration for Mercosur tribunal functions, in collaboration with Escuela Taller de Asunción and AECID.
2018–2023: Comprehensive rehabilitation funded by Itaipú Binacional focused on structural reinforcement, roof and facade restoration, installation of an elevator for accessibility, and upgrades for public use. Restoration adhered to international standards, prioritizing authenticity, reversibility, and the use of traditional materials (ABC Color; Listín Diario).

Community and Ongoing Maintenance

Preservation is supported by local heritage groups, scheduled biannual inspections, and community involvement through volunteer programs and educational workshops (La Nación).

4. Visiting Information

Location and Access

Address: Avenida Mariscal López, between General Santos and Vicepresidente Sánchez, Asunción, Paraguay (tprmercosur.org).
Transport: Accessible by public transportation, taxi, and car. Street parking and nearby parking lots are available.

Visiting Hours

General Public: Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays and public holidays.
Note: Public access may vary due to government or official events. Check the official website for updates.

Tickets and Admission

Admission: Typically free during public tours and events; some special exhibits or guided tours may have a fee (standard ticket: 10,000 guaraníes / ≈ USD 1.50).
Booking: Advance booking recommended, especially for groups or during peak periods.

Accessibility

Facilities: Elevator and ramps for wheelchair users, adapted restrooms.
Assistance: Visitors with special needs should contact the administrative office in advance for additional support.

Guided Tours and Experiences

Languages: Tours mainly in Spanish; English tours available upon request.
Photography: Allowed in most areas; restrictions apply in government offices and sensitive spaces.

5. Travel Tips and Visitor FAQs

Best Time to Visit: May–September (dry season) offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended.
Travel Light: Large bags may be inspected or left at designated areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the official visiting hours?
A: Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Mondays. Confirm before visiting, as hours may change.

Q: Are tickets required?
A: Entry is generally free, but some tours or events may require a paid ticket.

Q: Is Villa Rosalba accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, recent renovations include elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, in most areas; always check for restrictions in official or sensitive spaces.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Centrally located in Asunción, accessible by bus, taxi, or car, and close to other historic sites.

6. Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring Asunción’s other historical and cultural landmarks, all within walking distance:

Palacio de López: The Presidential Palace.
National Pantheon of the Heroes: Monument to Paraguay’s national heroes.
Casa de la Independencia: Museum celebrating Paraguay’s independence.
Plaza Uruguaya: Historic urban park.

(Asunción Times)

7. Practical Information and Contacts

Official Contacts:

For digital maps, tour bookings, and updates:

Turismo Paraguay

Download the Audiala app for guided tours and real-time updates.

References

Conclusion

Villa Rosalba is much more than a historical building; it is a living testament to Paraguay’s architectural innovation, cultural evolution, and resilience. Visitors can immerse themselves in its rich past, admire its artistic details, and experience firsthand the results of dedicated preservation efforts. To make the most of your visit, check official sources for the latest information, book guided tours, and explore the vibrant surroundings of Asunción’s historic district. Download the Audiala app for a seamless cultural journey, and stay connected via official channels for event updates.