Known as the Pearl of the South for stunning beauty of the bay, for the seductive quality of the city itself, and for the noble character of its people. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the area was populated by indigenous population and its was know as the Cacicazgo of Jagua. The city was founded in 1819 by French colonists who called it Fernandina de Jagua, in honor of both King Fernando II and its original inhabitants.
Access to the province is either by air, through its international airport, or by the well-established road network. It can also be reached by sea through the Cienfuegos harbour.
Places of interest
- Nuestra Señora de los Ãngeles de Jagua Castle, situated in the canyon at the mouth of the bay, was built in 1745 and is the third most important fortress in Cuba.
- El Nicho, an incredible and awe-inspiring ecosystem with numerous waterfalls and natural pools in the Sierra del Escambray.
- Martin Infierno Cave, created by nature for lovers and potholing who can descend into its interior and discover the largest stalagmite in Latin America, which is 67.20 meters tall.
- Rancho Luna beach, 18 km from the city of Cienfuegos. This attractive beach is a haven of tranquility and offers perfect conditions for diving.
- The Historic Centre, declared World Heritage Site, is a living memorial to its French past which can be observed in the architecture and form of decoration.
- The José Martà Park, originally Plaza de Armas (parade ground) of the colonial era, is large and monumental, featuring the only Triumphal Arch in Cuba.
- The Paseo del Prado is the longest tree-lined boulevard in Cuba, and leads the visitor towards the Malecón of Cienfuegos.
- The Palacio de Valle, a building with a mixture of eclectic styles, dates back to the end of the 19th Known for its architecture and its history, it is a symbol of the city and houses a restaurant serving light meals.
