Casa de la Independencia Museum facts for kids
Casa de la Independencia museum building
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| Established | 14 May 1965 |
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| Location | Asunción, Paraguay |
| Type | History museum |
The Casa de la Independencia Museum is a special history museum and historic house in Asunción, Paraguay. It's like stepping back in time!
This museum opened on May 14, 1965. It shows important items from when Paraguay became an independent country. On the evening of May 14, 1811, a group of brave Paraguayans left this very house to declare Paraguay's freedom.
This house is a national monument because of its huge historical importance. Inside its old walls, the plan to break free from Spanish rule was secretly made. The museum is located at the corner of Presidente Franco and 14 de Mayo streets. It has a clear colonial style, showing how buildings looked long ago.
Contents
The Story of the Independence House
This historic house was built in 1772. A Spanish settler named Antonio Martínez Sáenz and his Paraguayan wife, Petrona Caballero de Bazán, owned it. The walls were made of adobe, a type of mud brick. The roof was thatched, and the frame used bamboo and palm wood.
The Martínez Sáenz-Caballero de Bazán couple had two sons, Pedro Pablo and Sebastián Antonio. Both brothers inherited the house. They lived there with their wives, Carmen Speratti and Nicolasa Marín. Carmen's sister, Facunda Speratti, and Nicolasa's sister, Virginia Marín, also lived in the house. This family became very important in Paraguay's history.
The house was also a place for important visitors. Captain Pedro Juan Caballero stayed here when he came to Asunción. Across the street lived Juana Martínez de Lara, the aunt of patriot Vicente Ignacio Iturbe, who often stayed with her. Captain Juan Bautista Rivarola Matto also lodged nearby.
Other patriots like Fulgencio Yegros and lieutenant Mariano Recalde often visited the Martínez house. They were interested in Facunda Speratti and Virginia Marín. Because of these connections and its location, the Martínez brothers' home became the perfect secret meeting spot. Here, plans were made to fight against Spanish rule.
On the night of May 14, 1811, a group of men, led by Pedro Juan Caballero, used the alley next to the house. They walked to the Governor's house, just a few blocks away. Their goal was to make the Governor share his power. This was a big step towards independence.
Exploring the Museum's Rooms
The Casa de la Independencia Museum has several rooms. Each room shows a part of Paraguay's past.
Office Room: Important Papers
In this room, you can see important documents from the independence period. These papers were signed by many patriots. There is also a desk that belonged to Fernando de la Mora. Five paintings are displayed here. One special painting by Jaime Bestard shows the moment Governor Velazco was challenged.
Dining Room: Daily Life and Heroes
This room shows furniture and items used during the colonial period. You can see a sword that belonged to Fulgencio Yegros in one of the windows. There is also a famous portrait of Doctor José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, an important leader.
Living Room: Elegant Gatherings
The living room features beautiful French furniture from the 1830s. A crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and a wooden and bronze brazier sits below. You can also see two large portraits of Pedro Juan Caballero and Fulgencio Yegros. Religious carvings made by Jesuits and Franciscan workshops complete the room.
Bedroom: A Patriot's Rest Place
Here, you'll find a bed that belonged to Fernando de la Mora. His portrait hangs on the wall, and below it, you can see an embroidered shirt he wore. The room also has a large chest used by Juan Bautista Rivarola, a unique toilet, a beautiful prie-dieu (a kneeling desk for prayer), and a colorful niche.
Oratory: Religious Art
The oratory displays Jesuit and Franciscan carvings. You can also see various religious objects from different places. A portrait of the priest Francisco Xavier Bogarín is also in this room.
Corridor: Glimpses of the Past
In the corridor next to the rooms, you'll find two large wooden boards. These were carved from church doors in the missions. Below them are pieces of the house's old eaves. These pieces help us understand how buildings were made during the colonial period.
Yard: The Birth of a Nation
The yard features a large mural painted by José Laterza Parodi. On this mural, you can read the text of a very important note from July 20, 1811. This note was sent to the Primera Junta in Buenos Aires. It clearly stated that Paraguay was now independent!
Below the note, you can see the first coat of arms of the nation. This symbol was adopted when Doctor Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia was in charge. At the bottom, there is a sundial from the Jesuit mission of Santa Rosa. In one corner of the yard, there is a special mound. It covers the remains of the famous patriot Juan Bautista Rivarola Matto. His remains were brought here from the cemetery in Barrero Grande, which is now called Eusebio Ayala.
Capitulary Saloon: A Glimpse of Government
If you cross the yard, you'll find a copy of the Capitulary Saloon. This was part of the old Cabildo de Asunción, which was the first government building in the Río de la Plata area. It was set up on September 16, 1541. In the middle of the room, there is the coat of arms of Spain from 1800. On the walls, you can see a grand portrait of Emperor Charles V. Other pictures show different attempts at revolution before Paraguay became independent.
The Historical Alley: Path to Freedom
You enter the Historical Alley through the door of the Capitulary Saloon. This alley is one of the most important parts of the house. Brave Paraguayan patriots walked through it to start the country's independence.
It was also through this alley that Juana Maria de Lara went to the Cathedral of Asunción. She went to ask Padre Molas for a special signal: the ringing of the bronze bells. When the bells rang on the morning of May 15, Paraguayans came to celebrate. This was the historical moment when the new Republic of Paraguay was born!
More About the Museum
To remember that the country's independence was planned in this house, a street was named after it. During the government of Carlos Antonio López, a rule was made in April 1849 to name the streets in Asunción. The street in front of the Historical Alley was named "14 de Mayo" (May 14).
At the entrance of the museum, you can see a beautiful mural made by the artist José Laterza Parodi.
In 2003, 38 years after the museum opened, a person named Nicolás Darío Latourrete Bo visited. He saw that the museum was not in good condition. He then helped to restore the museum and make it look great again.
In February 2003, work began to restore the building and preserve its valuable items. That same year, the Ministry of Culture and Education made Mr. Latourrete Bo the protector of the Independence House. In 2005, he was declared the "Life Protector" of the museum. This was a very special honor in Paraguayan history.
Visiting the Museum
The "Casa de la Independencia" Museum is open to visitors:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
See also
In Spanish: Museo Casa de la Independencia para niños
