Encarnación
Encarnación is the capital of the departament of Itapúa and is in southeastern Paraguay.
The city was founded by the Jesuits in 1615. It gained in importance after the coming of the railway in 1854. Today the city is divided into two main sections - the old city by the river and the newer business district inland. Because of its mild climate Encarnación is often called "The Pearl of the South".
The Ruins of Santísima Trinidad and Jesus
A Substiantial chapter in the history of Paraugay was the presence of the missionaries of the „Company of Jesus“ (Jesuits) (1609 – 1768), and constituted one of the great utopian period experiences in the region establishing what was known as the Reductions of Guarani Tribes. Important testimonies in the country left from that time are: the Ruins of Santisima Trinidad and Jesus (declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO).
