Description of the attraction
The House-Museum of Independence is a colonial-style mansion where in 1811 a group of conspirators signed the declaration of Paraguay's independence from the Spanish metropolis. This house appeared at the intersection of Presidente Franco and 14 May streets in 1772. It was built by the Spaniard Antonio Martinez Saenz for his family. After his death, the house was inherited by his children - two brothers, who were just part of the group of people who staged a coup in the country.
The Saenz House was privately owned until 1943, when it was acquired by the Government of Paraguay. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961. At the same time, a commission was established, which was responsible for the creation of a museum here. The Historical Museum, dedicated to the period of the declaration of Independence of Paraguay, received its first visitors on May 14, 1965.
An alley adjoins the house, along which the conspirators carried the historical document to the mansion of the Spanish governor Velasco. In the Museum of Independence, the interiors of the early 19th century have been recreated, in which personal belongings, weapons, portraits of the leaders of the revolution are kept. In the study of the owner of the house, you can see art canvases illustrating the course of the struggle for the freedom of Paraguay. Old furniture has been preserved in the dining room. One of the central exhibits of this room is considered to be a sword that belonged to Fulgencio Yegros, who led Paraguay after the expulsion of the Spaniards. A magnificent crystal chandelier attracts attention in the living room. The walls are decorated with portraits of Yegros and his associate de Francia. There is also a prayer room in the house. Here are collected sacred objects that previously belonged to monks of various religious orders.
