| ext">Once Fernandina de Jagua, Cienfuegos was | | | | sculptures such as those of the lions and the arbors, |
| awarded the title of city in 1880, and in July | | | | built in 1922. |
| 2005, its Historic Center became a World Heritage | | | | Near the historic center, you’ll find the |
| Site, an award of international acknowledgement | | | | boulevard, with small businesses, libraries, banks, |
| rewarding the splendor, preservation and particular | | | | companies’ offices, and a Casa del Habano |
| architecture of an area stretching for 70 blocks. | | | | (House of Habano Cuban cigar) of first class. La |
| Among these blocks was the one serving as starting | | | | Unión Hotel, small, but cozy, is one of the |
| point for the foundation of the village by French | | | | architectural beauties renovated a few years ago as |
| colonists on April 22nd, 1819. This was the only Cuban | | | | part of the effort to preserve its patrimonial value. A |
| city established by representatives of the gala nation. | | | | walk along the Paseo del Prado, the longest in the |
| Cienfuegos has also been known as the Pearl of the | | | | Island, will help you assess the history of |
| South, and others have called it la Ciudad de las | | | | Cienfuegos’ architecture, and a visit to the |
| Cúpulas (the City of Domes), for the amount of | | | | two cemeteries, La Reina and the monumental |
| buildings whose towers end in domes. The | | | | Tomás de Acea, must not be skipped. |
| architecture of the city is one of its charms and it | | | | The bay of Cienfuegos, stretching for 88 km2, is |
| can be admired in the very José Martí Park, | | | | perfect for fishing in all seasons. Lately, its calm |
| former Plaza de Armas, where a rosette indicates | | | | waters have been the location of many important |
| the exact place over which the blocks of the city | | | | contests of motorboating and international regattas. |
| started to rise. | | | | Palacio de Vale and Jagua Hotel in Punta Gorda, at |
| Perfectly preserved buildings define the environment | | | | the end of the bay, are the most visited and |
| of the Martí Park. Among them we can find | | | | attractive spots for maritime tourism. Very close to |
| Tomás Terry Theater, where figures of international | | | | this place, the Cienfuegos Club offers numerous |
| prestige have performed their art such as the Italian | | | | nautical options. |
| Enrico Carucco, Sara Bernhardt, and the Mexican | | | | The nearby Guamuhaya Mountains is an ideal place |
| movie star Jorge Negrete. There is also the Colegio | | | | for hiking, taking baths in natural pools, waterfalls, and |
| San Lorenzo, former School of Arts and Jobs; the | | | | rivers, and visiting Soledad Botanical Garden, one of |
| Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, | | | | the biggest in Latin America, just 20 km from the |
| with its stunning stained glasses; the Palacio de | | | | city, featuring important collections of cactus and |
| Gobierno; and the Casa del Fundador (The | | | | palms (more than 300 types) |
| Founder’s House), residence of Luis D’ | | | | Cienfuegos is a cosmopolitan and very lively city; |
| Clouet, founder of the village. The Arc of the | | | | boleros, ballads, trova and son do not stop playing at |
| Republic enriches the environment, the only of its | | | | night. |
| type in Cuba, along with a bunch of marvelous | | | | |