| Destination: Cienfuegos |
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| Cienfuegos |
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The province of Cienfuegos lies on the south central coast
of the island, and borders the provinces of Matanzas, Villa
Clara and Sancti Spiritus. Its main urban center is the city
of Cienfuegos, located on the important and modern port of
Jagua Bay. Several rivers flow into the bay, and form numerous
keys and lagoons that go into the Caribbean Sea.
Cienfuegos, then called Fernandina de
Jagua, was founded on April 22, 1819 by Luis D´Clouet
and other French farmers who came from Bordeaux and other
parts of France. The name 'Fernandina' was given in honor
of Fernando VII, the then King of Spain, and 'Jagua' because
it was the name used by the local natives. In May, 1829, the
King of Spain gave it the name Villa de Cienfuegos, and in
1880 the title was officially granted to the city. |
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| Paseo del Prado |
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The city is characterized by the perfect grid
of its straight and wide streets, and its environmental and
stylish unity, which is reflected in the columns, frieze and
iron bars which adorn many of the buildings' facades. |
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| Palacio del Valle |
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One of the principal attractions
of the city is the Paseo del Prado, along which thousands of
Cienfuegueros walk every day, under the shade of its trees.
This great avenue begins at the entrance to the city and ends
at the Malecón (coastal road). Another outstanding feature
is the Tomás Terry Theater, with its varied architecture;
José Martí Park, the actual place where the city
was founded; the Botanical Gardens, with plants from five continents;
and the Palacio del Valle, a beautiful mansion built in a Gothic
architectural style. Romantic and mysterious stories abound
about the history of the palace, that in 1917 cost more than
half a million dollars to build. |
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| The building
was considered an unassailable fortress against pirate attacks,
and today it is a national monument. The Provincial Museum of
Cienfuegos, the former city council and Benny Moré Club,
is also an interesting place for visitors to the city. Its historical
busts and statues are of particular interest: the Arch of Triumph,
built at the end of the War of 1895 as a homage to the workers
of Cienfuegos; the poet, teacher and patriot, Clotilde Rodríguez
López; the famous sculpture of the Lions at the entrance
to Martí Park; and many other statues of people from
local history. |
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Small beaches on the Caribbean
Sea surround this urban center; such as Rancho Luna and El Inglés.
The 50 scuba diving spots, between the entry channel of Jagua Bay
and Boca Ambuila, are fascinating - apart from the famous Notre Dame
coral column, there are sunken ships and abundant species of fish.
Other interesting places are also found not far from Cienfuegos: Guanaroca
lagoon, a fish habitat; the Cave of Martín Infierno, where
there is a stalagmite 67 meters high; and the majestic Valley of Yaguanabo,
with its beautiful water falls.
Many hotels serve the city. Among the most prestigious are Hotel
Jagua and Hotel Pasacaballo, as well as Faro Luna and the Rancho
Luna Hotels. In the centre of the city itself there is Hotel La
Unión, which is in the boutique category and built in the
neoclassical style. |
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