Colonial towns of Cuba

Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos was founded as a Spanish colonial town in 1819 but was soon influenced by an influx of French settlers. The harbour town became wealthy as a trading centre for sugar cane, tobacco and coffee. Its historic centre combines colonial architectural influences with modern Latin American design and urban planning from the 19th century. Attractions of note include the Government Palace (City Hall), San Lorenzo School, the Ferrer Palace, the former lyceum and the Parque José Martí, with its elegant Tomas Terry theatre and Casino.

Trinidad

The historic colonial town of Trinidad is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric in Cuba, a must see on any trip to the island. Founded in 1514, it was the third Spanish settlement in Cuba and became one of the bridgeheads for the conquest of the American continent. In the 18th and 19th century, the town prospered with the sugar plantations in the nearby Valley de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills). Today, the town seems little changed from these colonial times and is a joy to wander its cobblestoned streets, admiring pastel coloured houses, old Chevrolets and impressive church buildings. The bell tower of the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos offers great views of the town and surrounding countryside. Around the central Plaza Mayor lies the Santisma Trinidad Church and several museums set in old colonial buildings. In the evenings the Casa de la Trova offers traditional Cuban music and dance. The surrounding region offers the chance for hiking, horse riding, visiting an old sugar plantation or relaxing on the sands of Playa Ancon.

Camagüey

One of the first Spanish settlements in Cuba, Camagüey was founded in 1528. Known as the 'City of Churches' due to the high number of religious buildings, Camagüey developed and irregular urban plan of winding streets and alleys and irregular blocks of buildings, unusual for a Latin American colonial town based on flat land. The town centre has numerous architectural styles including neoclassical, neo-colonial, Art Deco, Art Nouveau and rationalism. Attractions in the town include the bustling farmer's market and the house of Ignacio Agramonte, the cattle rancher who led a revolt against the Spanish in the late 1860s, while all around the town you will notice tinajones - large, earthenware jugs which used to store water during drought periods.

Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is the country's second city, located on the east of the island. Founded in 1514 it served as Cuba's capital until it was abandoned in 1553 when the capital was moved to Havana. Further settlement by the French and African slaves gave the city a unique cultural mix that make it one of the most interesting places in Cuba. Santiago is the centre of Cuban music and its bars and nightlife are legendary. The city has been the epicentre of revolution for centuries and it was here in 1953 that Fidel Castro and his followers attacked the Moncada Barracks, a disastrous assault but one which kick-started the revolution. Six years later on January 1st, 1959, Castro returned to Santiago to proclaim the success of the revolution. The Plaza de la Revolucion has a monument to the Independence heroes while the impressive Santa Ifigenia cemetery contains the grave of independence hero Jose Marti. Outside of town the Castillo del Morro fort is one of the best preserved in Cuba and commands excellent views over the harbour and the Sierra Maestra Mountains.

Baracoa was the site of the first Spanish settlement in 1512 and Christopher Columbus himself arrived here 20 years previously. Located on the easternmost tip of Cuba, Baracoa is a quaint, sleepy town surrounded by tropical mountainous jungle. It's a great spot to relax after travelling through the country and to explore the surrounding mountains and learn about life in this remote part of Cuba. A hike to the summit of El Yunque (575m), the anvil-shaped mountain mentioned by Columbus in his diaries, will take you through coffee, banana and cocoa plantations as well as thick forest with numerous bird, reptile and butterfly species.