Historic Centre of Cienfuegos

Historic Centre of Cienfuegos
The central Parque José Marti
Location	Cienfuegos, Cuba
Coordinates	22°08′44″N 80°26′11″W / 22.14556°N 80.43639°WCoordinates: 22°08′44″N 80°26′11″W / 22.14556°N 80.43639°W
Founded	1819
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name: Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos
Type	Cultural
Criteria	ii, v
Designated	2005 (29th session)
Reference no.	1202
State Party	Cuba
Region	Latin America and the Caribbean

The Historic Centre of Cienfuegos, is located in the city of Cienfuegos in Cuba. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

Overview

View of the Fort of Jagua

The city was founded on April 22, 1819 by French and Spanish settlers under the command of Don Luis De Clouet y Favrot. At the time of settlement, the bay which the town is located by, served as a refuge for pirates and privateers. The streets were laid out forming squares and retains plenty of eclectic architecture with neoclassical decoration.

Landmarks of the Historical Center

• Cathedral of Cienfuegos.
• Arch of Triumph.
• The Botanical Garden of Cienfuegos declared National Monument on October 20, 1989, with 97 hectares.
• The Reina Cemetery is an exceptional example of its type, and its architecture is inserted in the prevailing neoclassical in the buildings constructed in the city. Is the only in Cuba that retains its niches for burials.
• The Fortress of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Jagua is located at the entrance to the Bay of Jagua. Strategically located at the entrance to the Port of Cienfuegos, this castle was built in the 18th century (1745) to defend Cienfuegos from the assaults of pirates and buccaneers.
• Tomás Acea Cemetery.
• The park dedicated to "José Martí".
• The Theatre Tomas Terry.
• University of Cienfuegos.

Gallery

• 
  Cathedral of Cienfuegos.
• 
  Palace de Valle.
• 
  Park José Martí.

External links

Media related to Cienfuegos at Wikimedia Commons