Palacio de los López
Alonso Taylor; foreign and Paraguayan craft teams · Asunción, Paraguay · 1867
Palacio de los López gives the Paraguayan presidency a formal building overlooking Asunción Bay. Construction began in the nineteenth century under the direction of Alonso Taylor, with subsequent interruption, restoration and adaptation shaping its later use. Its long elevations, central tower and surrounding open space establish a conspicuous civic presence. The palace is especially useful for considering how a building originally intended as a residence acquired a governmental role, while its contemporary operation limits the public architectural experience largely to exterior views. Visiting: A working presidential palace. View from public space. Interior entry requires special authorization. Year refers to substantial completion of the original palace; later restoration and government occupation followed.