To party in the nightclubs up until the morning, or to study the majestic cathedral with an ancient clock, whatever was the reason that drew travelers to this friendly and cheerful city, none of them will avoid discovering its main attraction, the National University of Asunción. Almost all territories of San Lorenzo is a huge student city of the oldest state university of Paraguay. Here, not only the main campus of the higher education establishment is located but most of its ancient faculties too.

The National University of Asunción was established in 1889. It is considered the country's most traditional educational body. Initially, one of the best teaching facilities in Latin America included just a few faculties: law, mathematics, humanities, and medicine.

Today, there are 12 faculties that offer their students all forms of education both in human and exact sciences. Besides, the university hosts 4 science institutes, 2 research centers, a college, and, of course, postgraduate studies. Within its walls, more than 40 000 students are taught simultaneously. The lecturing staff consists of 6 000 professors and doctors of sciences, candidates of sciences and associate professors, as well as famous scientists, politicians and diplomats. Throughout the university's history, many famous people taught here: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay José Félix Estigarribia, General of the Army Stephan Vysokolan, and even the former President of the country Eusebio Ayala. No less famous were the university graduates, including three former presidents and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the renowned diplomat Eladio Loizaga.

The Paraguayans rate education in this university high and each schoolchild dreams of becoming its student and taking the same seat that once belonged to one of the presidents of his native land. For the city guests, the university presents itself not as an educational body but as a hall of fame of its famous graduates and honored teachers, where walls keep their secrets and archives unveil the past.