Cienfuegos is an enchanting city about 155 miles from Havana on the southern coast of Cuba, which is worth spending a few days at when on your family holidays to Cuba.

Cienfuegos

The city’s historic centre, covering 70 blocks, became a World Heritage Site in 2005.

Cienfuegos is known as La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South) and also La Ciudad de las Cupulas (city of the domes) as it has an abundance of buildings with domed towers.

This beautiful city is home to many well preserved buildings, including the Tomas Terry Theatre (where many international artistes have performed), the Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion (with magnificent stained glass windows), the Casa del Fundador (Founders House – home of Luis

Cienfuegos building

 D’Clouet who discovered the city). Other attractions here include Castillo de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles de Jagua (a fortress), Museo Provincial (a furniture and porcelain museum), Palmira Yoruba Pantheon (a museum of religious afro-catholic syncretism), the Delfinario where you can see dolphins and sealions in a saltwater lagoon and the Parque Jose Marti (a park located in the Plaza de Armas). The city also has two cemeteries, La Reina and Tomas de Acea, which are both worthy of a visit.

The Bay of Cienfuegos which has very calm waters, covers 34 square miles

Cienfuegos Bay

and is the ideal place for a spot of fishing.

Close to the city are the Guamuhaya Mountains with rivers, waterfalls and natural pools, making it ideal for hiking.

About 20kms from Cienfuegos are the Soledad Botanical Gardens which have more than 300 different types of cactus and palms.

For more information on Cuba and to view my latest articles please visit my Cuba Blog.