Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South, is a port city located on Cuba’s largest bay that offers great attractions to travelers.
Its French colonial past has merged with Cuban culture, creating a fascinating symbiosis of nature, architecture and tradition that sets it apart from the nearby cities of Trinidad and Villa Clara.
If you are wondering what to see in Cienfuegos, stay tuned to this article in which we have compiled for you the must-see places in this city.
Cienfuegos: the Pearl of the South
Cienfuegos is located in central Cuba, a little more than 230 km from Havana. In 2005, its historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was named after José Cienfuegos, who was captain general of the island of Cuba when it was founded.
The province offers travelers an endless number of unforgettable experiences, such as enjoying the beauty of the sea and its seabed, or being carried away by the exuberant nature of the Natural Park of Cascadas del Nicho, in the Sierra de Escambray.
Cienfuegos was the only province colonized by the French, which has given it a different character from its neighbors Trinidad and Villa Clara.
Why is Cienfuegos called the Pearl of the South?
The symbiosis between the elegance of the French spirit and the welcoming and affectionate Caribbean spirit, its openness to the sea, and its classic facades of pastel shades have seduced thousands of travelers from all over the world. For all these reasons it is known as the Pearl of the South.
It is, without a doubt, a city worth visiting on your trip to Cuba.
How much time do you need to see Cienfuegos?
The city of Cienfuegos can be visited in 1 day.
To get organized, consider that Cienfuegos has 2 distinct zones where most of its attractions are concentrated.
It is an inverted “L” or “7” shaped route:
- The area from the surroundings of José Martí Park to the Reina neighborhood.
- The Prado Promenade that reaches Punta Gorda, where many of the city’s characteristic palaces are located, typical of the fusion of neoclassical, neo-Creole, art deco and baroque architectural styles.
However, if you want to explore the natural beauties of the province, you will need at least one more day.
In any case, a great advantage of this enclave responds to the planning of the nineteenth century, so that its streets form grids that facilitate the organization of the visit to the points of interest.
What to see in Cienfuegos in 1 day?
Locate on the map the following enclaves that you cannot miss in Cienfuegos. It will help you prepare your itinerary.
José Martí Park
José Martí Park is located in the historic center of the city. Surrounded by royal palms, majuaba trees, and beautiful framboyant or fire trees, it is the green lung of Cienfuegos.
It is the oldest area of the city and was where Don Luis DeClouet founded in 1819, along with a group of Frenchmen, the Fernandina de Jagua Colony.
Throughout its history it has received numerous names such as Plaza de Ramírez, Plaza de Armas or Plaza de Isabel la Católica.
Arc de Triomphe or Laborers’ Arch
This unique symbol in the country by architect Antonio Ferrer is inspired by the French and Italian triumphal arches to honor thousands of Cubans who gave their lives for freedom.
It was inaugurated in 1902 and is located in the José Martí Park.
Tomás Terry Theater
With French and English influences, the Tomás Terry Theater is adorned with Carrara marble.
This auditorium, with a capacity for almost 1,000 people, opened its doors in 1895 with the opera “Aida” by Verdi.
Benny Moré’s Tomb
Declared a National Monument, the tomb of Benny Moré – director, composer and performer of the city – has become a must-see.
On the tombstone of his marble tomb, in the cemetery of Santa Isabel de Las Lajas, the following inscription can be read: “Benny Moré, Lajas, my beloved corner, the town where I was born”.
Government Palace
In the vicinity of José Martí Park, the Government Palace, in colonial neoclassical style, is the most emblematic building in the city for its historical, social and architectural value.
Its dome is inspired by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.
Palacio Ferrer Museum of the Arts
Restored for the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Cienfuegos, this building, representative of the colonial culture, combines the exhibitions of local artists with beautiful architecture.
It is the old Ferrer Palace, and has a viewpoint and a small bar on the terrace where you can refresh yourself before continuing the route.
Queen’s Cemetery
This cemetery is the oldest in the city and has been declared a National Monument.
There is a marble statue called Sleeping Beauty, erected to commemorate a 24-year-old girl, the protagonist of one of the legends of Cienfuegos.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
East of the main square of Cienfuegos, this two-towered cathedral is one of the places to see in Cienfuegos.
It has a neoclassical facade and a sober interior that contrasts with the beauty of its French stained glass windows made in Paris, in the workshops of Gaspar Gsell-Laurent.
Paseo del Prado
The Paseo del Prado connects the old part of the city with the Cienfuegos Malecon and Punta Gorda. It is the longest street in all of Cuba, covering an extension of almost 2 kilometers.
In addition to being a pleasant walk to the viewpoint of La Punta, its route is impregnated with beautiful neoclassical buildings such as the Roberto García Valdés Public Library. You will also discover striking continuous portals, galleries and columns.
Halfway there, you will find the life-size statue of Benny Moré, the artist we told you about a few lines ago.
It is a bronze work of the Santiago sculptor José Villa Soberón.
Sculpture Park
An ideal place in Punta Gorda to go with children.
It is full of postmodernist sculptures of large size, different materials and styles that can be used.
Malecon of Cienfuegos
The inescapable Malecón of Cienfuegos is its promenade, a perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
In front of it you will find cafes and stores, as well as the building of Radio Ciudad del Mar, the provincial radio station.
Hotel Palacio Azul, Club Cienfuegos and Palacio del Valle
On your tour of the Paseo del Prado, note these 3 emblematic buildings that are located on perpendicular streets:
- Hotel Palacio Azul. It is located on 37th Street, at the corner of 12th Street in Punta Gorda.
- Cienfuegos Club. This yacht club is located in front of the sea, very close to the Blue Palace, on 37th Street between 8th and 12th. You can stop for lunch, watch the sunset on its terrace or cool off in its pool.
- Palacio del Valle. Its architecture is reminiscent of a Moroccan casbah with Mudejar, Byzantine and Baroque reminiscences. It is located in the heart of Cienfuegos, in the neighborhood of Punta Gorda. It has restaurant and cafeteria service.
Punta Gorda
At the end of Paseo del Prado, follow 35th Street to reach the last portion of Punta Gorda.
From the viewpoint of La Punta you can enjoy the charm of the bay.
Cienfuegos: what to see if you are looking for nature tourism
If you are staying in Cienfuegos for more than a day and are looking for a total immersion in nature, you cannot miss El Nicho in the Topes de Collantes Natural Park, in the Sierra de Escambray.
It is located just over an hour from the city, and has a beautiful waterfall that can be reached from a nature trail called the Kingdom of the Waters.
If you are going to travel to Cuba and want to enjoy Cienfuegos to the fullest, do it with the advice of a specialized agency that can offer you all the services you need.
At Enjoy Travel Group we guarantee tailor-made, safe and well-planned trips. In addition, we have an office in Havana and dozens of assistants distributed throughout the island to give you the best service.
Contact us so we can start working with you on your journey to live authentic experiences.
