Ita | Paraguay

Itá is a historic city in the Central Department of Paraguay, located approximately 37 kilometers from the capital, Asunción. Known as the "City of Ceramics and Honey" (Ciudad del Cántaro y la Miel), it is one of the most important cultural centers for traditional Guarani-influenced craftsmanship.

2026 Strategic & Cultural Context

UNESCO Recognition: As of late 2025 and into 2026, Itá has gained significant international attention following the UNESCO declaration of Ñai’ũpo ceramics as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This ancestral technique, practiced primarily by women in Itá, involves hand-molding local wetland clay without a potter's wheel.

Tourism Development: Under the national "Resilient Infrastructure" initiative and the 2026 Tourism Strategy, Itá is being promoted as a key destination for "Orange Tourism" (cultural and creative tourism). Efforts are focused on preserving the workshops of master artisans and improving the "Artisan Route" that connects the city to nearby Tobatí.

Infrastructure: The city benefits from being a vital stop on Route PY01, which connects Asunción to the southern region. In 2026, improved regional oversight and municipal funding are focused on revitalizing public spaces around the city's central lagoon.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 population of Itá is estimated at approximately 28,400 in the urban core, with the total district population exceeding 80,000. The demographic is characterized by a strong presence of artisan families who have passed down ceramic techniques for generations.

Urban Layout & Key Landmarks

Parque de la Laguna: The city’s most famous landmark, a central park featuring a natural lagoon. According to local legend, the lagoon never dries up because it is protected by a mysterious "iron chest" or religious relics buried beneath it during the Triple Alliance War.

San Blas Church: A historic church dedicated to the patron saint of Paraguay, San Blas. The city holds its most vibrant festivities here every February 3rd.

Artisan Markets: Permanent stalls and workshops (talleres) line the main entrance to the city, where visitors can purchase cántaros (water jugs), gallinitas (small ceramic hens), and intricate sculptures.

The "Black Ceramics" Workshops: Itá is specifically famous for its distinctive black pottery, achieved through a unique smoking process during firing.

Top Cultural Figures

Rosa Brítez: Known as the "Ceramist of the Americas," her legacy continues to define the city's artistic identity. Her home and workshop remain a primary pilgrimage site for art students and tourists.

Julia Isídrez: A contemporary master whose work has been exhibited internationally; she continues to push the boundaries of traditional Ñai’ũpo, blending ancestral forms with modern abstraction.

Transportation & Connectivity

Road: Itá is highly accessible via the PY01 highway. Direct buses from the Asunción Terminal depart every 15–20 minutes, with a travel time of about 1 hour.

Digital: In 2026, the city is part of the "Digital Local Services" rollout, aimed at providing QR-based cultural guides at major historic sites and workshops.

Facts & Legends

Legend says that the Laguna de Itá was formed when a wealthy, greedy woman refused to give water to a thirsty old man (some say a saint in disguise). The ground opened up and swallowed her house, creating the lagoon that remains at the center of the city today. A geographic fact: The name "Itá" means "Stone" in the Guarani language, referring to the rocky outcrops found in the surrounding hills. Historically, the town was founded in 1539 by Governor Domingo Martínez de Irala as a reduction for the Guarani people.