Cienfuegos
city, also known as "Pearl of
the South" is one of the most tourist-visited cities along
the country, being undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. It is
the capital of the province bearing the same name, which extends
around the lovely, big and quiet Jagua Bay. It was founded by French
settlers hailing from Bordeaux, Philadelphia, and Louisiana. Worth-mentioning
are its modern street arrangement and the beauty of its architecture,
which, together with other factors, have made the city deserve the
title of National Monument.
Its
development was conceived to start from the arms square (today's
José Martí Park) and so it started growing to become
the lovely city it is today.
Delighting is walking along its Paseo del Prado, mixing with the
people who pass by, and enjoying the view from its seawall that,
despite being quite and peaceful, is neither less warm nor less
picturesque than Havana's malecón.
Among the places of interest worth-visiting in
the zone outstands the fortress of Nuestra Señora de los
Ángeles de Jagua, built around 1745 and only one of its kind
in Cuba's central region; the Botanical Garden, treasuring more
than 1000 species; the Arc of Triumph, only one of its kind in Cuba;
Tomás Terry Theater; and Tomás Acea Necropolis.
The natural wonders of Jagua bay make it an excellent spot for entertainment
and the practice of water sports. The common presence of the shad
makes it a preferred zone for those who like fishing. In this province,
there are also more than 50 immersion points distributed along the
beaches like those of Rancho Luna and El Inglés.