Trinidad: Discover the Jesuit Mission and Cultural Heritage

For travelers interested in the heritage of the Jesuit Mission, Trinidad offers several specific points of interest: a former quarry, museums with different collections, and cultural offerings near the Mission. The connection between the park and the building also highlights the origins of much of the building material. The museums feature stonework, niches, and altarpieces, as well as stone sculptures and historical objects. Near the Mission, members of the Mbya-Guaraní community of Guavirami also share their customs, history, and worldview with visitors.

Quarry and Waterfall in Parque Ecológico Ita Cajón

Parque Ecológico Ita Cajón is located in Trinidad and is a former Jesuit quarry. Approximately 80 percent of the stones used to build the Misión Jesuítica de la Santísima Trinidad del Paraná were extracted there. This gives the park a direct connection to the construction history of the Mission: a large part of the building material came from this former quarry. Parque Ecológico Ita Cajón also has a natural waterfall. The park thus offers two perspectives: its former use points to the construction history of the Mission, while the waterfall is a natural feature of the site.

Museums and Collections at the Mission

The complex of the Misión Jesuítica Santísima Trinidad del Paraná includes two museums. The Museo Jesuítico displays stonework, niches, and altarpieces; the Museo Lítico houses stone sculptures, including remnants of angels and saints. The collections can be distinguished by their focus: one features worked stone elements and altarpieces, while the other features figurative works in stone. A niche is a recess in a wall; an altarpiece is the decorated structure behind the altar. These terms help explain the different forms of the works on display. A museum with a collection of historical objects is located in the former sacristy of the Misión Jesuítica Santísima Trinidad del Paraná. Historical objects are therefore also among the Mission’s museum themes.

Encounters and Crafts Near the Mission

The Comunidad Mbya Guaraní Guavirami is located near the Misión Jesuítica de Trinidad. During guided tours, community members share their customs, history, and worldview with visitors. The focus is on the community’s perspectives and on a different approach to cultural topics than the perspective offered by buildings and collections. Also near the Mission is the community’s Centro de Artesanía, where crafts are displayed and sold. Visitors can see and buy necklaces, bracelets, basketry, and wood and stone carvings made from natural materials from the region. Before visiting, it is advisable to check whether the offerings are currently available. This way, you can choose between the guided tours and the crafts center according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Bella Vista Sur, Obligado, Encarnación, San Cosme y Damián, Capitán Miranda, Natalio

For the regional travel overview: Itapúa.