Most people enjoying their holidays to Cuba usually missed some of the most authentic places Cuba has to offer. Cienfuegos is one of those hidden jewels.
Why Cienfuegos still holds its appeal to many visitors? Cienfuegos is a very unique city in Cuba. Not only has an incredible landscape but also its people and great architectural buildings make it very unique.
Natives originally inhabited Cienfuegos and it was called Cacicazgo de Jagua. In 1819 the new city was founded. French immigrants, who called it Fernandina de Jagua, originally settled it; on behalf of King Ferdinand VII, thats why French influence is still present in Cienfuegos.
Today, Cienfuegos is a World Heritage city situated right at the entrance of a huge bay that gives the city a feeling of a beautiful, spacious, quiet town. Youwill be captivated by the citys well-preserved architecture and the display of styles (neoclassic, art noveau, art deco) that perfectly insert into the atmosphere to make of Cienfuegos La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South) as many people call it.
When you visit Cienfuegos on your next
Cuba holidays, you will have the chance to enjoy good music, great restaurants and though not fancy, but nice and comfortable hotels will make your stay in Cienfuegos more pleasant.
The view to the bay from El Palacio de Valle is to die for, an elegant eclectic palace located at the end of Punta Gorda peninsula, which perfectly combines Mudejar, Byzantine, Venetian, Gothic and Baroque styles.
The Castillo de Jagua fortress, a castle built under the Spanish king Philip V around 1745 to protect the entrance to the bay from pirates that at that time frequently visited the town.
There are many sports, cultural and entertainment options available, just keep alert to what is happening around. Cienfuegos is also popular for the events organized around the bay.
You could also enjoy a quiet relaxing day at Cienfuegos Botanical Garden, where more than 1000 species are treasured.
Some other things to see in Cienfuegos are the Arc of Triumph, which is the only one of its kind in Cuba, Toms Terry Theater, Toms Acea Necropolis and Reina Cemetery.
Finally, if you stay in Cienfuegos for a couple of days, dont miss the chance to escape away from the city and explore the surroundings. A visit to El Nicho or Topes the Collantes or even the town of Trinidad will bring some excitement to your holidays in Cuba and will make your experience of this beautiful island unforgettable.
In the next article we will be talking about other off-the-beaten track places. Keep tune!
