Museo de la Estacion Central (Museum of the Central Station), Asuncion

Museo de la Estacion Central (Museum of the Central Station), Asuncion

The Carlos Antonio López Central Railway Station Museum offers a glimpse into a significant period of Paraguay's history, marked by its pioneering role as the first South American country to embrace railway transportation. Established during the presidency of Carlos Antonio López, this museum showcases remnants from a bygone era, including artifacts salvaged from the 35 stations scattered across the country's interior. Visitors are treated to a journey through time as they explore the museum's old rooms, encountering relics such as telegraphs, telephones, phonophones, administrative documents, and original plans. Notably, the museum also houses the safes once used to safeguard its collection.

Opened in 1861 as the "San Francisco Station," this site stands as a testament to Paraguay's advancement in industry and connectivity. One of its notable treasures is the inaugural locomotive to traverse Paraguayan tracks—a remarkable feat of engineering originating from England a mere 29 years after the advent of steam-powered trains in the early 19th century.

Of particular interest is a meticulously recreated room featuring original train cars, complete with first and second-class seats and furniture from the presidential car. This immersive experience allows visitors to envision the opulence and functionality of early railway travel in Paraguay.

The roots of Paraguay's railway system trace back to 1857, when President Carlos Antonio López spearheaded efforts to establish the country's first railway. His foresight led to a historic journey to the United Kingdom, where his sons Francisco Solano and Venancio enlisted the expertise of engineers John and Alfred Blyth. Their mission was to procure railway materials that would lay the foundation for Paraguay's burgeoning transportation network.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Asuncion. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Museo de la Estacion Central (Museum of the Central Station) on Map

Sight Name: Museo de la Estacion Central (Museum of the Central Station)
Sight Location: Asuncion, Paraguay (See walking tours in Asuncion)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Asuncion, Paraguay

Create Your Own Walk in Asuncion

Create Your Own Walk in Asuncion

Creating your own self-guided walk in Asuncion is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Asuncion Introduction Walking Tour

Asuncion Introduction Walking Tour

Sitting on the bank of the Paraguay river, the capital of Paraguay Asunción is a beautiful city, well worth being explored. Local attractions are plentiful and include, among others, numerous sites of colonial and modern architecture, such as the López Palace - seat of the local government, theaters, plazas, museums and more. To see them all, follow this orientation walk and enjoy!

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles