Villarrica, city in southeastern Paraguay, capital of Guairá Department. It lies on a railroad and on the Pan-American Highway, in an agricultural area. Industries here include food processing, leather tanning, flour milling, sawmilling, and the production of wine, textiles, and wood products. A Native American marketplace is of note, and a church shrine draws thousands of pilgrims annually. Originally founded as Villa Rica del Espíritu Santo in 1576, the city was moved from the banks of the Paraná River to its present site in 1682, after many attacks from Brazil. Later in its development, German settlers established its wine industry. Population (1992) 27,818.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Villarrica Information info
|
