From Havana, it takes 4.5 hours by Viazul bus to get to Cienfuegos, a city whose urban center shows its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s old, historical buildings which are mostly art deco and colonial French are stunningly a visual feast to the eye. There’s really not much to see and do here in Cienfuegos–but if you dig into architecture, then, this city is your paradise. Though buildings (both business and residential) are attached from wall to wall (as any other houses around Cuba), there are still distinct differences from one door to another.
Cienfuegos can be explored in a day. Or even 5 hours if you are only planning to drop by before heading to Trinidad, a must-see city, and an hour from Cienfuegos. Next to Havana, Cienfuegos is also heavily-loaded with government propaganda murals. They’re ubiquitous around the city. While the urban center is coated with shiny, multi-colored paints, few blocks are houses waiting to collapse. I should know because I walked to the farthest end of the city (for lack of better things to do) and saw buildings which I thought were abandoned but was surprised when doors swung open and residents came out.
Palacio de Valle is a house that appears in your dream. The overtly, intricate iron and wood work is so detailed it blows your mind how in the world this house is exquisitely elegant. It’s more magical to see it in the morning when it faces the sun, not when the sun is behind it.
Anywhere in Cienfuegos, you will find stunning colourful houses
Palacio de Valle is the most beautiful house I’ve seen in Cuba. It’s an architectural whim! It’s 97 years old and it cost only $57,000 in today’s exchange rate.
A Day in Cienfuegos
Casa de las Presidente in Punta Gorda – The house where Fidel Castro stays when he visits Cienfuegos. / A Day in Cienfuegos, Cuba.
A Day in Cienfuegos, Cuba.
Palacio Azul / A Day in Cienfuegos, Cuba.
Club Cienfuegos / A Day in Cienfuegos, Cuba.
There was a street dancing parade on the night I was there. I think it’s related to Santeria.
Malecon at night is a rendezvous for the locals to catch up on anything about their life. There was some kind of party when I was there.
While a party was going on the Malecon, these boat people were also dancing and singing as they rocked the boat.
The Malecon is a host to a wonderful sunset. Don’t miss it.
I actually skipped this city on my way to Trinidad from Havana. It was raining hard in September and I didn’t even get to explore Trinidad for two days. These buidlings are beautiful.
4 Comments
That Palacio de Valle is indeed beautiful. It’s kinda Spanish-Moorish thing, eh?
Yes, it is, Don.
I actually skipped this city on my way to Trinidad from Havana. It was raining hard in September and I didn’t even get to explore Trinidad for two days. These buidlings are beautiful.
Oh, that’s too bad. The weather was nice when I was there three weeks ago!