 The
province of Cienfuegos is located in the
center and south of the country, limits
with the provinces of Matanzas, Villa Clara
and Sancti Spíritus. Its main urban
center is the city of Cienfuegos, which
rises beside the important and modernized
port of Jagua bay, that has a bag shape
and its depth oscillates between 7 and 34
m.
Several rivers
flow into it forming numerous keys and lagoons
that communicate with the Caribbean Sea.
According to an official
certificate, Fernandina de Jagua was founded
on April 22 by French settlers coming from
Burdeos, France. It was named in honor of
Fernando VII, King of Spain, and “Jagua”
because it was the name given by the natives
of the area. In May 1829, the King of Spain
granted this area the title of Villa de
Cienfuegos, and in 1880 it was given the
title of City.
One of the main attractions
of the city is the Paseo del Prado, where
thousands of Cienfuegueros walk each day
under the shadow of the trees. This long
avenue starts at the entrance of the city
and ends in Malecón. Very outstanding
is also the Tomás Terry Theater with
eclectic shapes; the José Martí
Park, place where the city was founded years
ago; the Botanic Garden with species from
5 continents; and del Valle Palace, beautiful
mansion which architectonic style has Gothic
influence. Romantic and mysterious legends
have been woven around the history of this
castle, that in 1917 cost more than half
a million dollars. This building was considered
an inexpugnable fortress against pirate
attacks. Today it is a National Monument.
Among the hotels with
prestige in Cienfuegos, we can point out
Hotel Jagua, Pasacaballo Hotel and Faro
Luna and Rancho Luna hotels, located in
beach areas.
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