[1] It contains the graves of important figures in the country's history, including presidents of Paraguay.

The cemetery is on the site of a Franciscan Recollets convent, nationalised by José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia who had appointed himself head of the Paraguayan Church.

[3] Its origin dates from 20 October 1842 the date of its establishment by the government of Carlos Antonio López and consul Mariano Roque Alonso.

Its creation was due to the lack of space for the burial of the deceased.

Prior to this, remains were buried in churches or in the patios of houses.