VILLARRICA

capital, Guair department, southern Paraguay. Founded in 1576 on the Paran River, the settlement was moved in 1682 to its present site at the edge of the westward extension of the Brazilian Highlands, including the Ybytyruz mountains at 820 ft (250 m) above sea level. Now Paraguay's third largest city, Villarrica is a commercial, manufacturing, and religious centre. Industrial establishments in the city include sawmills, textile and flour mills, sugar refineries, liquor distilleries, wineries, tanneries, plants processing mat (tea), and shoe factories. The principal exports are mat, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, oranges, wine, cattle, and hides. Its cathedral and shrine make Villarrica a pilgrimage centre. The city has various schools, a hospital, and a theatre. It is accessible by highway or railroad from Asuncin and Encarnacin. Pop. (1982 prelim.) 21,203.