The city was founded on March 5, 1714, by Juan Gregorio Bazán de Pedraza, with the original name of San Felipe de Borbón del Valle del Bastán (Saint Philip of Bourbon of the Valley of Bastán), in homage to the King Felipe II.

The total population of the city is 36,228 inhabitants, 18,362 males and 17,866 females, according to the data from the General Directorate of Statistics, Polls and Census.

During the government of Dr. Francia, the city became an important conduit for communication with other countries, making the economic development of the district possible.

Nineteen large factories located in the area produce cement, iron rods, cotton, electric cables, and agricultural chemicals, and other activities.

The Church of the Virgin of the Rosary (Virgen del Rosario), built during the period of the Paraguayan War also served as a Hospital, and is one such edifice.