Departamento Central Ita
The town of Ita is known for its ceramic production, a tradition that dates back to the colonial era when members of the Franciscan mission used to make ceramic pots. Today the town is best known as the home of Rosa Britez, famed local ceramist, as well as for the production of ceramic chickens.
Rosa Britez’s Workshop
A ceramist for over sixty years, Rosa Britez is one of Paraguay’s most renowned artists. This humble but energetic artist is known for her chubby ceramic figures, platters and water jugs with faces of suns and moons, and cheeky Kama Sutra inspired figures, all baked to a deep black hue. Her talent gained her international fame with a long list of clientele that includes the King of Spain and Michael Jackson. Despite her fame Senora Britez has found herself in dire straits as of late due to deteriorating health and mounting medical bills. Purchasing an authentic Rosa Britez piece shows your support for Paraguayan handicrafts and artisans. Tel: 0971 743 526, her home and workshop are on the right-hand side of the entrance to town and hard to miss as they are marked by an enormous sign with her face on it, her workshop and home are one and the same, if the workshop is closed simply ring the doorbell.
El Centro Artesanal de las Pequenas Industrias de la Ciudad de Ita (CAPICI)
All manner of handicrafts made by local artisans are on display and available for purchase in this small brick building. Not surprisingly the main emphasis is on ceramics. Corner of Cerro Cora and Route 1, building is on the right-hand side if coming from Asuncion. Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-12pm
Lucky Chickens
Ita’s most popular items are ceramic chickens with curly clay feathers all over their bodies. Legend has it these gallinitas de la suerte bring good luck to their owners.
Parque de la Laguna
One of the most interesting things about Ita (aside from the Kama Sutra ceramics) is the Parque de la Laguna, a four hectare park with a large lagoon in the middle. There are walk ways, a gazebo, and a family ofyacares (caiman) that roam freely, swimming in the water, and sunning themselves on the banks. Not to worry though, the local firemen are in charge of chasing them back into the lagoon if they wander too far from the park, something that only tends to happen when it’s raining. Presidente Franco and Curupayty – if coming from the CAPICI continue one block along Route 1 (away from Asuncion), take a right on Curupayty and the park will be on your left
Ciudad del Este Map Photo Gallery
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