Things to see and do Trinidad

The historical and architectural heart of Trinidad, the Plaza Mayor (the former Plaza Fernando VII, Plaza de la Constitución, then Plaza Serrano), constitutes one of the most homogeneous sets of the colonial period in Cuba. Elegant and distinguished with its pastel tones, it concentrates the most beautiful colonial mansions built between the 18th and 19th centuries by the great local families, some of which have been transformed into museums. Today, the house of the magistrate Ortíz houses the Guamu-haya Archaeological Museum (on the west side of the square, on Calle Martínez). The Museum of Trinitarian Architecture is housed in the Sánchez-Iznaga house (south of the square). The Romantic Museum is located in the heart of the Counts of Brunet's palace (northeast, corner of Bolívar and Echerri streets). In addition to the church and the beautiful buildings of undeniable character that surround it, its royal palms and cobbled streets complete the ensemble perfectly. It is truly one of the most beautiful squares in Trinidad, if not in Cuba, and when a beautiful sunset or full moon comes along, memories are guaranteed... On weekends and holidays, this is also where all the Trinitarios go. So come by on a Saturday afternoon, then in the evening, to observe the social life of the city: sellers of toys and other sweets, children running around, families celebrating a birthday, teenage love affairs in their infancy, old people taking the cool of the evening... The whole society is there!

The stony path climbs dryly to the top. Once there, the watchman of the antenna may offer to give you a quick overview of the place. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, this watchtower was mainly used to warn the city of attacks from pirates or foreign powers. The panorama is truly breathtaking over Trinidad, the Sierra del Escambray, the Valley of the Ingenios and the Ancon peninsula. From the center of Trinidad, it takes 30 minutes to walk the 1.5 km of road with good shoes.

Housed in an old colonial house, built between 1827 and 1830, the museum features magnificent neoclassical murals by Cuban and Italian artists. It traces the history of Trinidad since its foundation: Indian archeological finds, the slave trade, the development of the sugar industry, the struggle for independence undertaken by the Trinitarios and other significant episodes in the city's culture, society and economy.

Also called Parque Céspedes, but better known as Parque Central, it is the privileged meeting place of the inhabitants who walk there or settle on the benches quietly evoking the subjects of the day in the shade of the trees strategically planted. A booth sometimes hosts rehearsal of musical groups. Just a few steps away from the Etecsa telephone center for those who don't have smartphones.

Built in 1713, the Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad was destroyed several times. It was rebuilt in the 19th century, with the final inauguration in 1892, and is a mixture of neoclassical and Greek styles. If the exterior of the church is remarkable, linger inside as well: the precious wooden Christ, which was originally destined for the city of Vera Cruz in Mexico, is impressive. Note also the beautiful ornate altar.

Located in the former convent of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the museum recounts the fighting in the 1960s between the national revolutionary militia and the enemies of the revolution, who operated in the mountainous areas of the Escambray (the main theater of counter-revolutionary resistance). Photos and testimonies maintain the myth of the barbudos. On display are a marine launch and part of the U2 (U.S. spy plane) shot down by the Cuban army in 1962.

The church is in ruins, but the place has preserved real authenticity.

Located 5 km west of the city in the direction of Cienfuegos after a bridge, the access to the trail extends on 7 km. Then, two small kilometers await you to join the site of the Parque Natural El Cubano. The most motivated will take a swim at the foot of the waterfall (30-45 min walk from the park entrance) even if the water is quite cold. Try to get there early in the morning: the site is populated by early birds. Remember to have euros with you to enter.

Built in 1808, the former palace of Nicolás de la Cruz y Brunet, owner of cane plantations ennobled by the king of Spain, is one of the beautiful testimonies of the colonial architecture of the island. It has been beautifully restored. One of the floors has been transformed into a museum, with collections of jewelry, furniture, porcelain and silverware that belonged to the Spanish nobility. You will also see the paintings of Esteban Chartrand, a French-Cuban painter of the 19th century.

Except for the main rooms dedicated to exhibitions, this palace has not changed much since the last heirs of the Sánchez-Iznaga family left in 1982. During the visit, you will get acquainted with samples of the architectural development of Trinidad. You will also see the Italian porcelain toilet in the interior patio and the American shower of 1912, heated with gas. The urns in the patio (19th century) are from Malaga.

The museum traces the archaeological history of Cuba, from the pre-Columbian period to the Spanish conquest and colonization. Its former owners, Don Juan Andrés Padrón and his family, hosted the famous Alexander von Humboldt in 1801 during his visit to Trinidad. Hernán Cortés is also said to have stayed here before leaving for Mexico in the 16th century. Guamuhaya is the word used by the aborigines to designate the mountain range surrounding Trinidad.