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Destination: Cienfuegos

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.

Paseo del Prado

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.

Palacio del Valle

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.

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.

Boulevard

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.