Things to see and do Cienfuegos

This site, chosen in 1819 to establish the new French colony, is the heart of the historic district. A rose window on the ground indicates the place designated by de Clouet. You will see the Triumphal Arch (1902), the only one of its kind in Cuba, and the white marble statue of Martí (1906), both commemorating the birth of the Cuban Republic. Two lions standing on high pedestals protect the entrance. You can also admire the majestic buildings surrounding the square. Ideal to sit in the shade and enjoy the moment.

Wonder among wonders, the Nicho is one of the main jewels of the Escambray Valley. Little frequented by tourists who prefer to visit the valley from the south side, the site is most often immersed in a tranquility conducive to delight. Three waterfalls form magnificent natural pools that invite you to swim and enjoy the clarity and softness of the water. At the top of the hill, the view over the valley is breathtaking. A small corner of paradise 46 km east of Cienfuegos (vehicle required).

Inaugurated in 1890 on Verdi's Airs's airs, the voice of tenor Caruso will also resonate in the enclosure. Declared a national monument - it's one of the three major provincial theatres - it bears the name of a great music connoisseur in the region. Admire the beautiful circular fresco decorating the ceiling and symbolising the Seven Muses. The sites are still home to the most prestigious shows in the region. A café with the same name is beside it. Often very lively, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. with shows in the evening from 22 p. m.

Built in 1918 according to the canons of the Art Nouveau style, the Palacio Ferrer is an emblematic building of the main square of Cienfuegos. Today it houses the House of Culture (Museum of Arts), with its more or less open tower and spiral staircase. The famous tenor Enrico Caruso stayed there during his stay in the city. Numerous thematic exhibition rooms. Superb view of the city and its bay from the mirador.

It is possible to visit the palace-restaurant of the Hotel Jagua. A real jewel of the 19th century, it alternates and combines Byzantine, Moorish, Venetian, Gothic and Baroque styles... In short, the architect had a lot of fun.

Good plan for an aperitif. Recently restored, this small palace is the ideal place to have a drink at the end of the day. The beautiful terrace, also renovated, has a refreshment bar, and above all, it offers a superb view of the bay. For a little more atmosphere, live bands play at the end of the day and in the evening.

Begun in 1833, on the site of the first church founded in 1819, the Catedral de la Purísima Concepción was not completed until 1869. Characteristic of the neoclassical style of the time and notable for its stained glass windows imported from France - considered the most beautiful on the island - the cathedral, rather sober, is perfectly integrated with the other national monuments of the José Marti square. Note that the colored stained glass windows represent the twelve apostles.

This museum has been repainted in a bright white and blue for the city's bicentennial in 2019.

Built between 1891 and 1893, the building originally housed the Spanish casino. Today, it is primarily dedicated to the decorative arts and preserves archaeological samples from the pre-Columbian era. On Saturdays and Sundays, the place comes alive with concerts of traditional Cuban music. The program can be requested at the reception desk. Every first Saturday of the month, a peña (popular cultural gathering) is held at the museum.

A travel agency that will also provide you with all the information necessary for your stay as well as maps of the city and surrounding areas.

Temporary exhibitions of plastic arts.