Let's explore Cienfuegos Cuba

[El Presidente]

Cienfuegos is on the UNESCO  World heritage List. 

I have only been there once briefly but intend to spend a few days there next time I am in Cuba. 

Light a cigar, pour a drink and watch the vids 

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Cienfuegos was established in 1819 on the Caribbean coast of south central Cuba. Although located in Spanish territory, many of its first settlers were of French origin from Bordeaux and French colonies such as Louisiana. A commercial port town, located in the heart of a fertile agricultural region producing sugar, cane, mango, tobacco and coffee, its prosperity was primarily linked to the 19th-century sugar boom. By the 1860s, Cienfuegos was the third most important city in Cuba, by economical wealth. 

The city's original centre was composed of 25 blocks, laid out in a grid plan with absolute geometric regularity, inspired by the Spanish Enlightenment. As an example of modern urbanism in Spanish American, this planned town reflected new socio-economic and cultural trends related to urban order, the role of public spaces, and public hygiene requirements for natural light and ventilation. 

Public functions were focused on Parque José Martí (formerly Square of Arms) the site of the church and public and government buildings. Notable amongst the 19th-century Neoclassical buildings are the Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Purísima Concepción (Holy Church Pure Concepción Cathedral), the Tomás Terry Theater, the Spanish Casino, Palatino Tavern (or White Palace), the House Lions, "The Union" Hotel, the house-warehouse of the Spanish merchant José García of the Noceda, and the Customs Building. 

Buildings dating from the early 20th century followed a more eclectic design but maintained certain proportions, construction materials and stylistic features creating harmony. residential buildings, for example, are one or two storey’s in height with plain facades, generally without porches. Masterful metalwork of wrought and cast iron is present in elegant grills, railings and fences. 

The inscribed historic centre covers 70 hectares surrounded by a buffer zone of 105 hectares that extends south along the eastern side of the port. 

 

 

 

 

[JY0]

We visited Cienfuegos via cruise ship for a 2 day stop before heading to Havana. We really enjoyed it. It was so different than Havana.

Our first stop there was the LCDH and it was magnificent and well stocked. It had a colonial feeling, two stories, lots of dark wood with an open atrium.  They had amazing stock... lots of HTF cigars; Talisman's and BHK's, cigars with age. As discovered a few days later none of those were available in Havana. They did not have a roller. 

They were very glad to see us and very accommodating. They sent us to a Paladar for an excellent and really inexpensive meal. Unfortunately I didn't take notes and can't remember the name.

The way the city is laid out it's easy to walk the whole thing... no cabs needed. I think two days there would be enough.

[Nino]

Beautiful city - been lucky in visiting it a few times and I love the city.

From my Blog :

"A city that, to me, came to represent the image of what I had always thought Cuba to be – beautiful neo-classical architecture in a well preserved historical centre, sleepy tranquillity, pretty boulevards, an inviting Malecon seaside promenade full of beautiful houses, a perfect bay, no wonder the city was called “Pearl of the South” during colonial times."

http://flyingcigar.de/travel-cigars/201103-cuba-2011-cienfuegos/

[chris12381]

On 10/7/2020 at 4:01 PM, JY0 said:

 

Our first stop there was the LCDH and it was magnificent and well stocked. It had a colonial feeling, two stories, lots of dark wood with an open atrium.  They had amazing stock... lots of HTF cigars; Talisman's and BHK's, cigars with age. As discovered a few days later none of those were available in Havana. They did not have a roller. 

It is a beautiful store and I agree.  The staff are actually excited when people come in who are interested in cigars. 

[El Presidente]

18 hours ago, chris12381 said:

  The staff are actually excited when people come in who are interested in cigars. 

..that would indeed be something to behold 

[chris12381]

1 hour ago, El Presidente said:

..that would indeed be something to behold 

It almost makes the drive from Havana to Cienfuegos worth it!