Cuba Travel Destinations - Cienfuegos, The Pearl of the South

Once Fernandina de Jagua, Cienfuegos wasthose of the lions and the arbors, built in 1922.
awarded the title of "city" in 1880, and in JulyNear the historic center, you'll find the boulevard,
2005, its Historic Center became a World Heritagewith small businesses, libraries, banks, companies'
Site, an award of international acknowledgementoffices, and a Casa del Habano (House of Habano
rewarding the splendor, preservation and particularCuban cigar) of first class. La Unión Hotel, small,
architecture of an area stretching for 70 blocks.but cozy, is one of the architectural beauties
Among these blocks was the one serving asrenovated a few years ago as part of the effort
starting point for the foundation of the village byto preserve its patrimonial value. A walk along the
French colonists on April 22nd, 1819. This was thePaseo del Prado, the longest in the Island, will help
only Cuban city established by representatives ofyou assess the history of Cienfuegos'
the gala nation.architecture, and a visit to the two cemeteries, La
Cienfuegos has also been known as the Pearl ofReina and the monumental Tomás de Acea,
the South, and others have called it la Ciudad demust not be skipped.
las Cúpulas (the City of Domes), for the amountThe bay of Cienfuegos, stretching for 88 km2, is
of buildings whose towers end in domes. Theperfect for fishing in all seasons. Lately, its calm
architecture of the city is one of its charms and itwaters have been the location of many important
can be admired in the very José Martí Park,contests of motorboating and international
former Plaza de Armas, where a rosette indicatesregattas. Palacio de Vale and Jagua Hotel in Punta
the exact place over which the blocks of the cityGorda, at the end of the bay, are the most
started to rise.visited and attractive spots for maritime tourism.
Perfectly preserved buildings define theVery close to this place, the Cienfuegos Club
environment of the Martí Park. Among themoffers numerous nautical options.
we can find Tomás Terry Theater, whereThe nearby Guamuhaya Mountains is an ideal
figures of international prestige have performedplace for hiking, taking baths in natural pools,
their art such as the Italian Enrico Carucco, Sarawaterfalls, and rivers, and visiting Soledad Botanical
Bernhardt, and the Mexican movie star JorgeGarden, one of the biggest in Latin America, just
Negrete. There is also the Colegio San Lorenzo,20 km from the city, featuring important
former School of Arts and Jobs; the Cathedral ofcollections of cactus and palms (more than 300
Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, with itstypes) Cienfuegos is a cosmopolitan and very
stunning stained glasses; the Palacio de Gobierno;lively city; boleros, ballads, trova and son do not
and the Casa del Fundador (The Founder's House),stop playing at night. One of the cleanest cities in
residence of Luis D' Clouet, founder of the village.Cuba and with people so kind and welcoming, the
The Arc of the Republic enriches thePearl of the South, Cienfuegos, is an excellent
environment, the only of its type in Cuba, alongoption to stay for a few days during your Cuba
with a bunch of marvelous sculptures such asvacation.