Trinidad, on the south coast of Cuba is a colonial city, with a rich cultural tradition. Founded in the 16th century it was the first capital of Cuba. .We entered the city along the coast, where the Caribbean lashed the rocks and sparse stretches of sand.
Trinidad is considered by many as one of the most important colonial city in the America's. Certainly it is the least developed and has therefore maintained its charm. Protected from development by the Castro regime, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, it is the perfect city to get lost in.
We found our way to the Plaza Mayor, a baroque square, cobblestones, with great palm trees and traditional mansions and homes with red tiles, and Iglesia de la Santisma Trinidad, the main cathedral in the city (3rd picture). It is simple in design and execution, with a soft pastel outside and Gothic vaulted interior, complete with strong Catholic iconography. Mansions and 16th century homes surround the square.
We went on to Museo Historico Municipal, where they have collected the odds and ends of colonial history, and have an extraordinary view out over the city to the Caribbean and the surrounding hills from the tower (1st picture). Ironies abound. Our guide highlighting a horse drawn carriage on display in the museum, while we must have passed a 100 of them on the streets of Trinidad, the highways and the roads of Varadero. And the lady standing at the base of the steps leading up to the tower, dutifully handing out red tickets to everyone who went up and then collecting them when we came down, then handing the same tickets out to the next group...
We had lunch at the Restaurante Trinidad Colonial, set in an historical 16th century home, where I had my best meal in Cuba. Grilled white fish, black beans with excellent taste, sliced vegetables, the ever present grated carrot, and pork. I stayed away from the slightly seared squid, however. Too blue. We sat in the courtyard, trees swaying above us, plants abounding in the gardens and on the balconies (2nd picture). The serenity of the scene and the easy chatter with the British couple that we shared lunch with ended a splendid afternoon.
There is no great sight in Trinidad; its value lies in itself, the streets, the buildings, the people. It is perhaps the closest I've gotten to Cuba.
Trinidad is considered by many as one of the most important colonial city in the America's. Certainly it is the least developed and has therefore maintained its charm. Protected from development by the Castro regime, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, it is the perfect city to get lost in.
We found our way to the Plaza Mayor, a baroque square, cobblestones, with great palm trees and traditional mansions and homes with red tiles, and Iglesia de la Santisma Trinidad, the main cathedral in the city (3rd picture). It is simple in design and execution, with a soft pastel outside and Gothic vaulted interior, complete with strong Catholic iconography. Mansions and 16th century homes surround the square.
We went on to Museo Historico Municipal, where they have collected the odds and ends of colonial history, and have an extraordinary view out over the city to the Caribbean and the surrounding hills from the tower (1st picture). Ironies abound. Our guide highlighting a horse drawn carriage on display in the museum, while we must have passed a 100 of them on the streets of Trinidad, the highways and the roads of Varadero. And the lady standing at the base of the steps leading up to the tower, dutifully handing out red tickets to everyone who went up and then collecting them when we came down, then handing the same tickets out to the next group...
We had lunch at the Restaurante Trinidad Colonial, set in an historical 16th century home, where I had my best meal in Cuba. Grilled white fish, black beans with excellent taste, sliced vegetables, the ever present grated carrot, and pork. I stayed away from the slightly seared squid, however. Too blue. We sat in the courtyard, trees swaying above us, plants abounding in the gardens and on the balconies (2nd picture). The serenity of the scene and the easy chatter with the British couple that we shared lunch with ended a splendid afternoon.
There is no great sight in Trinidad; its value lies in itself, the streets, the buildings, the people. It is perhaps the closest I've gotten to Cuba.
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