Villa Elisa

Villa Elisa was founded on March 22, 1899, originally as an agricultural colony called Colonia Elisa, through the initiative of European immigrants, mainly from Belgium. The place was named after Elisa von Maas, the wife of the Danish founder Emilio Johannsen, who divided the land into plots and sold them to settlers. In the middle of the 20th century, the character of the community changed from a rural settlement to a major urban center within the Asunción metropolitan area. Today, the city is known nationwide for the headquarters and refinery of Petropar, the state-owned oil company, which is of strategic importance for Paraguay's energy supply. Villa Elisa has an important port on the Paraguay River, enabling the handling of fuels and other industrial goods. Despite the industrial presence, the city has invested heavily in public squares and green areas in recent years to improve the quality of life for the steadily growing population.

Nearby cities

Capiatá

One of the most populous cities in the metropolitan region, characterized by dense settlement and historical churches.

Lambaré

Located directly south of the capital, the city offers the Cerro Lambaré, the top of which provides a magnificent view.

Fernando de la Mora

A bustling commercial and residential city, named after one of the founding fathers of Paraguayan independence.

Limpio

One of the oldest cities in the country, traditionally characterized by its karanday weaving for hats.

Ñemby

A rapidly growing municipality southeast of the capital, where agriculture is gradually giving way to industry.

Mariano Roque Alonso

The city is best known as the location for the large annual international agricultural and industrial fair.

Itauguá

Internationally known as the home of ñandutí, the characteristic spiderweb-like embroidery.

San Antonio

Located on the banks of the Paraguay River, this industrial city offers several important inland ports for the country.

Ypané

Known as the 'Historical City' because ancient battles and historical events took place here.

Areguá

The capital of handicrafts and strawberries, famous for its colonial architecture and fine pottery.

Areguá

The picturesque city on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí is known nationwide for its pottery and strawberry cultivation.

Ypacaraí

The birthplace of the legendary song 'Recuerdos de Ypacaraí' attracts many musicians and tourists because of its great lake.

Guarambaré

Surrounded by sugarcane plantations, this city is historically famous for its sugar factories.

Altos

One of the oldest cities in Paraguay, perched on a hill offering sweeping views over Lake Ypacaraí.

Villeta

As an industrial powerhouse on the Paraguay River, the city has significant port and cement facilities.

History & landmarks

Itá

The capital of ceramics, famous for its black clay hens and the caimans of the San Blas lagoon.

Atyrá

Atyrá is considered the cleanest city in Paraguay, a model of community spirit and ecological awareness.

Nature

Paraguay River

The Paraguay River is the most important river in the country and divides it into two distinct regions.

Lake Ypacaraí

Lake Ypacaraí is a famous tourist destination and was immortalized in a well-known song.