Restoration of Paraguay's San Lorenzo Mártir church completed after eight years
The San Lorenzo Mártir church in Altos, Paraguay, has finished its restoration after almost eight years. Located 60 kilometers from Asunción, this colonial Franciscan church continued to function throughout the renovations. It was designated a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2017, with restoration efforts kicking off in 2018, uncovering its original architectural features. The final touches completed in 2024 focused on the wooden doors and windows, as shared by Ana Butlerov, who leads the Historical Heritage Unit at the Ministry of Public Works and Communications. A key part of the project involved restoring a large altarpiece, which was dismantled into over 300 pieces to fix termite damage and took three years to bring back its vibrant colors.
Key facts
- Restoration of San Lorenzo Mártir church in Altos completed after nearly eight years.
- Church is one of Paraguay's oldest and most important religious heritage sites.
- Located 60km from Asunción, the colonial Franciscan church remained open during conservation.
- Designated a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2017; work began in 2018.
- Final phase completed in 2024 focused on wooden doors and windows.
- Main altarpiece is 5.5m high and 3.75m wide, a key example of Paraguayan colonial Baroque.
- Altarpiece was dismantled into over 300 pieces for termite and moisture treatment over three years.
- Myrian Mármol warned altarpiece was 'in a state of disrepair and completely eaten away by termites'.
- Church built in 16th century, rebuilt after Paraguayan War (1864-70).
- MOPC spokesperson says project sets precedent for future restoration, including Virgen de las Mercedes church.
Entities
Institutions
- Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC)
- Historical Heritage Unit
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Altos
- Paraguay
- Asunción
- Virgen de las Mercedes church