Despite its small size, Cuba never ceases to amaze with its biodiversity and historical riches. It is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, which capture its natural and cultural diversity. These include geological wonders, lush national parks, and fascinating colonial towns.
These sites are even more wonderful because they’re just a day trip away from the capital Havana. Here’s everything you need to know about Cuba’s nine heritage sites.
Old Havana And Its Fortification System
First up on our journey through the UNESCO Heritage Sites Cuba is Old Havana. Founded in 1519, it is one of Cuba’s architectural wonders and is the oldest among Cuba’s heritage sites. These historical old townhouses have a spectacular network of defence installations and dockyards that date back hundreds of years.
Old Havana has four main plazas: Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, and Plaza de la Catedral, so it’s highly recommended that you visit them if you’re in Cuba. There are also a few majestic buildings to marvel at, such as the Grand Theatre of Havana and Havana Cathedral. The colonial streets are wonderful for self-guided walks, but you can also take advantage of a guided tour that will take you through centuries of Cuban history.
Vinales Valley
Situated in Pinar del Rio, Vinales Valley is known for its imposing landscape and unique farming methods. To this day, traditional farming utilizing human hands, ploughs, and horses are still widely practised. The valley is famous for its tobacco production, while the architecture of its villages and traditional farms reflects the multi-ethnic society inhabiting the landscape.
The buildings are very simple in design, with some housing cosy restaurants and bars in the area. Even if you stay for just a day or two, you will have time to explore some nearby caves or go horse riding. There are plenty of accommodation options, and even Airbnb’s are available.
Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca
Located in Santiago, this 17th-century fortress is a must-see site in Cuba. Erected in 1638, the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca protected Cuba from conquests during the 17th and 18th centuries. The fortification system is famous for its geometrical shape and symmetry, widely regarded as one of the best examples of Spanish-American military architecture. You can learn about this site’s history of constant pirate attacks in the small museum that displays the thrilling tales of the pirates and their adventures.
Urban Historic Center of Cienfuegos
If you’re in Cienfuegos, it’s hard to miss its stunning Urban Historical Center. Filled to the brim with neoclassical buildings dating back to the 17th century, the centre has become a cultural hub for art, history, and social events. Popularly known as the ‘Pearl of the South, Cienfuegos still maintains most of its traditional appearance, even though the buildings have donned a more ‘eclectic’ look over the years.
Must-see locations include the former lyceum, the Ferrer Palace, San Lorenzo School, and the Government Palace. Stroll along the streets of Cienfuegos to get a taste of neoclassical architecture thanks to the residential houses adorned with colonial-era facades. Around the area, you can also explore the beautiful botanical gardens and coastline.
Trinidad and the Valle de los Ingenios
The entire colonial town of Trinidad and its surrounding area are recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. The colonial history of Trinidad means that the town and the valley used to be a hub for trade, agriculture, and progress in the 18th century. Must-visit places include the stunning 19th-century cathedral Iglesia de la Santísima and the town’s main square Plaza Mayor, which sports a neo-baroque style.
If you want to learn about the area’s historical cane sugar industry, you can head to Museo de Arquitectura and Museo Romántico. In the present day, Trinidad has become renowned for its parties and music. It has a jubilant nightlife with live music venues, bars, and restaurants offering traditional Cuban dishes.
Desembarco del Granma National Park
Desembarco del Granma National Park is a top site for observing exotic Caribbean fauna and flora. The park is home to thousands of species and is one of Cuba’s most important biodiversity treasures. The park is particularly famous for its limestone marine terraces and sea cliffs. It is also home to the largest river in Cuba — the Toa River.
The park is an essential part of Cuban history. It was named after the Granma Yacht that transported Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, and Che Guevara to Cuba during the Cuban revolution. Visitors flock to this park to take in its natural splendour and learn more about the ties between nature and history in the country.
Camaguey
Camaguey is the 3rd largest Cuban city. The streets of the city were built to defend it from frequent pirate attacks. As such, they incorporate a distinct maze-like style. Because of its construction, this historic site is filled with hidden plazas and alleys. It is popularly known as ‘the city of churches, so visitors can expect to see many beautiful churches around the city.
The residential houses also sport various architectural styles such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and neoclassical styles. The must-visit places in Camaguey include Iglesia de Nuestra Corazón de Sagrado Jesús, Plaza San Juan de Dios, Teatro Principal and Plaza Del Carmen.
Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba
Cuba is well known for its long and illustrious history of coffee. Situated in Sierra Maestra, this historic site is the most significant example of Cuba’s coffee heritage. The plantations feature outstanding architectural engineering and also highlight Caribbean colonial history.
If you want to learn more about the slave trade and coffee plantations, you must visit Cafetal la Isabelica — a museum built by plantation owners. At the plantations, you can also see the remains of tools and structures used in coffee production.
Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
This national park is a UNESCO heritage site and boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems you can find anywhere in the world. The Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is home to the endangered Cuban Solenodon, 145 types of ferns, and thousands of animal and plant species. Other than biodiversity, the park is also known for its dramatic scenery and five different landscapes. The fascinating town of Baracoa is also located nearby and is well worth a visit.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of our ultimate guide to UNESCO heritage sites, Cuba. If you’re on a trip to Cuba, make sure to book a visit to at least a few of these heritage sites. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of nature, or of music, you’ll undoubtedly find something to enjoy right here in Cuba.
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