Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos
By Cindy Carlsson
What is the Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos?
The Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos World Heritage site covers 70 blocks in the heart of Cienfuegos, Cuba. This includes the city’s original 25 blocks founded by colonists from Bordeaux in 1819. A buffer zone around the World Heritage site includes the historic harbor and protects additional structures.
Although largely neoclassical in design, architecture within the UNESCO site also includes eclectic, art deco, and modern-style structures designed to blend with the historic urban fabric.
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Why is the Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Cienfuegos is unusual in that it was a French settlement in a Spanish colony. It was a wealthy port city laid out on the Spanish model, but constructed in the French style. As the city expanded over time, architectural styles varied, but with similar proportions, features, and materials, that continued the harmonious feel of a city often referred to as “the pearl of the south.”
UNESCO explains: “The Historic town of Cienfuegos exhibits an important interchange of influences based on the Spanish Enlightenment, and it is an outstanding early example of their implementation in urban planning in Latin America in the 19th century.”
What can you expect on a visit to Cienfuegos?
As it was at the center of Cuba’s 19th-century sugar boom, Cienfuegos was once one of the wealthiest cities in Cuba. That wealth resulted in a large historic core filled with elegant buildings. Visitors today discover the heart of this historic core looks much as it did during its prime, although many of the extravagant homes that once shared the Parque José Martí (formerly Square of Arms) with the cathedral, theater, and various civic buildings now house museums, shops, and restaurants.
The 25-block area around the central square is the oldest and best-preserved part of the city. However, the entire historic area is filled with interesting architecture and architectural details like iron grills and railings. Wander along pedestrianized Calle San Fernando for an inviting mix of mostly 19th-century buildings filled with interesting shops, housing, and lodging. Even the busy main road through the city, the Paseo El Prado, offers an interesting mix of 20th-century architecture, contemporary murals, and 19th-century gems. Follow it to the Malecón and on down to Punta Gorda for views of the sea along with more of the city’s historic architecture, including the old port area.
Is the Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos worth visiting?
Cienfuegos is definitely worth adding to your Cuba itinerary. This is a beautiful city with a relaxed pace that both looks and feels very different from Havana.
You can see the city’s highlights in a half-day, but history and architecture buffs should allow more time to take it all in and to visit a few of the city’s museums. I loved Cienfuegos and wish I’d had more than one night here. It’s a lovely, pleasant place where you can discover a different aspect of Cuban history and culture.
And, while you’re in the area, be sure to combine your visit with time at the “Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios” World Heritage site. Both cities are wonderful and should be on the itinerary for anyone interested in architecture, history, or culture. See a map of all the Cuban UNESCO sites.
Tips for visiting Cienfuegos
Central Cienfuegos is very walkable and there are a variety of hotels and casa particulars (privately-operated guesthouses that travelers from the USA can book) within the World Heritage area.
Hotels and guesthouses in Cienfuegos.
This is a popular tourist stop for travelers en route to Trinidad, and all the buses seem to park along Parque José Martí. If you want to photograph along the square without buses blocking your view, plan to arrive early in the morning.
Climb the tower at the Palacio Ferrer (now an interesting museum) for the best view of the historic square. But do it in the afternoon for the best light on the square’s signature buildings.
For travelers from places other than the USA, the mountains near Cienfuegos offer waterfall hikes and bird watching. The pretty and historically important Bay of Pigs is also nearby.
Because of the rules and regulations around travel in Cuba, particularly for US citizens, it’s probably best and certainly easiest to book a tour, whether it’s a private or group tour. See a list of many options here.
Where is Cienfuegos?
Cienfuegos is located across the island to the southeast of Havana. It’s at least a 3-hour drive from Havana on the National Highway. It’s possible to rent a car to travel between Havana and Cienfuegos, but travelers from the USA have to use cash, which makes reserving a car more challenging. Private transfers and shared taxis (colectivos) are also available.
Bus service is available. Buses generally take 5 hours to make the trip between Havana and Cienfuegos.
Cienfuegos has a small international airport. However, international flights into Jaime Gonzalez Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Jaime González) are limited.
UNESCO’s Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos World Heritage site website has a PDF map that shows exactly what areas are in the UNESCO site and buffer zone. On-street parking is available throughout the area, but the whole area is also very walkable.
For more information about visiting the Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos, including opening hours and admission fees, see the city’s official website.
Have you been to Cienfuegos? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!