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TrinidadFounded by Diego Velazquez en 1514 with the name of Villa De la Santisima Trinidad, it is considered the best conserved colonial city in the Caribbean. Trinidad was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 thanks to its architectural and historical value which is perfectly conserved. Also known as the Museum City of the Caribbean Sea, it is the most colonial of all the cities on the island.
Surrounded by sugarcane plantations, and situated between the Topes de Collantes mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Trinidad's location also provides easy access to the beach, mountains and the beautiful surrounding countryside, where vestiges from the 18th and 19th centuries in the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) which is also a World heritage Site, testify to a time of prosperity during the sugarcane boom.
The Valley of San Luis or Valley of the Ingenious, is where at beginnings of the XIX century existed 48 Sugar Plants in full production, who’s ruins are visited today by thousands of tourists who also admire the front of The tower of Iznaga, built by himself to guard the slaves at work so they’d work hard enough in the Villa. Its history goes back to 19th century, when more than 60 sugar mills were based in the valley. The beautiful green landscape has attracted visitors from around the world who visit it for enjoying its historical-cultural attributes.
The century-old city has impressive cobble-stone streets leading to remarkable squares that are surrounded by majestic colonial buildings, some of which have been turned into excellent museums. It’s impossible to go to Trinidad and not visit its numerous museums and restaurants, The Farmer’s house, the house of Trova, Santa Ana Church, Central Plaza, Brunet Palace, The Palace of Sanchez Iznaga, The Mayor Parish or The Canchanchara to enjoy its wonderful cocktails with the same name.
Very near by is the Maria Aguilar Beach, with its warm and not too deep waters, with an exuberant coral life, sponges, small tropical fish, and different species of starfish.
Also very close to the town of Trinidad is Topes de Collantes, an exquisite natural spot located at the top of a mountain of the Escambray range, where a chain of tourist facilities promote healthy tourism. Its outstanding fauna and flora is widely known by ecological enthusiasts who delight with the region’s nature. Trinidad feels and breaths like an ancient city, when you walk in its street it feels like the time stood still. The city center is car free and on the stone roads you can walk at your leisure to explore the town square, the children playing on the street or the men playing domino.
Without any doubt, Trinidad is one of the most visited towns in Cuba, as it maintains a charming colonial atmosphere with its uneven cobbled streets, quiet plazas, churches, red tiled roofs, wooden shutters and wrought-iron grilles. Bicycles and horse-drawn carts bump along streets lined with untidy pastel-coloured houses, where open doors afford brief views of folk on rocking chairs and wooden birdcages, and the strains of salsa music drift out from cool courtyards where the intricate steps of the dance are practiced.
Trinidad has lot's to offer and that is also because of it's location, at one hand close to the sea and at the other hand the mountains. So you can do a wide variety of activities in Trinidad. To walk on its stone streets, admire its churches and parks, paralyze yourself in front of its old houses examples of Spanish culture in America, or to be received with a warm cup of coffee by any neighbour, are just some of the experiences you have to live in this magical corner of Cuba.
Tourism and cuba holidays
Trinidad retains the atmosphere of an old colonial town. Founded in the year 1514, it was one of Cuba’s seven original towns, and the presence of many beautiful buildings dating from the 17th to 19th century’s accounts for its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Apart from the cobbled streets and the houses painted in pastel colors, the main attractions include the elegant Parque Marti and several museums in the colonial mansions, the best of which, the Museo Romantico, having been beautifully refurbished in period style.
The Taller Alfarero, a ceramics workshop where traditional techniques are still used, is also worth visiting.
Tourists also stay not only in Trinidad itself but at the nearby beach resort of Playa Ancon.
Mention should also be made of the Torre de Manaca Iznaga (50m/165ft), a lookout tower offering great views of the Valley of the Sugar Mills (Valle de los Ingenios) and the Escambray Mountains.
Museums
Museo Municipal de Trinidad
A vast exhibit that allows the visitor to know the history of one of the first seven towns founded in Cuba by Diego Velazquez in the 16th century. Among its outstanding collections there are excellent art pieces displaying a notorious conservation. It is one of the many museums of the city that should not be skipped in your agenda.
Romantic Museum
The former palace of Count Brunet, which first floor was built in 1740 and the second one ended in 1808, exhibits a wide variety of furniture and other decorative arts owned by the bourgeoisie of Trinidad during the 19th century. The building itself faithfully represents the style of Cuban colonial architecture.
Museum of Archeology "Guamuhaya"
It is located at the very center of the historical core of the city. The building was erected at the end of the 18th century and it displays a marked rococo style. Its main collections are based in objects that date back to the period going from the pre-Columbian epoch to the Spanish conquest. Some of these objects are considered unique in Cuba.
Museum of Architecture of Trinidad
Both in the interior and in the beautiful courtyard of the ancient building, the visitors can admire displays of the architectonic development of Trinidad, including a beautiful variety of decorative and wooden window bars among other highly valuable objects from the historical and patrimonial point of view.
Museo de la lucha contra bandidos
The museum provides the visitor with a much synthesized account of relevant facts in the struggle against counterrevolutionary elements that attempted to destabilize the country by means of their evil actions in the mountainous zone of El Escambray. It is housed by the building of the former convent and church of Saint Francis of Assisi. From its bell tower, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
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