A trip to remember through Matanzas 🇨🇺

Hello friends of Pinmapple.

Have you ever visited a place that has completely captivated you? Well, that is exactly what happened to me when I first traveled to Matanzas. This city, known as the Athens of Cuba or the city of bridges, has a rich history and vibrant culture, it hooked me from the moment I arrived. In this post, I will share my experiences and sensations of this incredible place.

Foundation and Location

The city was founded in 1693 by the Spanish Diego de la Torre y Mena, who named it San Carlos and San Severino de Matanzas. Matanzas is located on the north coast of Cuba, about 100 kilometers east of Havana, within the bay of the same name, crossed by the Yumurí and San Juan rivers. The sea dominates the landscape, accompanied by the rivers that cross a total of 29 bridges. The city was established as an important port for the export of sugar and other agricultural products.

Size and Population

Matanzas is a medium-sized city with a population of around 150,000 inhabitants and covers an area of approximately 317 square kilometers. Although it is a relatively small city, Matanzas has that special charm of seaside towns.

The city has a unique mix of Spanish, French, and African influences, and this mix of cultures is reflected in the city's vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Architecture

One of the things that impressed me the most about Matanzas was its architecture. The city has a large number of old buildings and beautiful squares. The historic center of the city is a mixture of architectural styles ranging from neoclassical to art nouveau. I was impressed by the intricate details on the facades of the buildings.

Economy and Daily Life

The economy of Matanzas is largely based on sugar production, but the city also has a thriving tourism industry. The city is home to several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, which showcase the rich history and culture of the city. The people of Matanzas are friendly and welcoming, and I quickly felt at home in this vibrant city.

For those interested in music and dance, Matanzas is the birthplace of Afro-Cuban music and dance, and the city is home to several cultural centers showcasing this unique art form.

During my visit, I was able to experience the daily life of the locals, and I was impressed by their resilience and positivity in the face of economic challenges.

Places Visited

My tour of the city could be said to have started from the Canímar River. The most striking thing there is the beautiful bridge over the river, with its impressive height and the beauty of its lines.

Following the entire north coast, I arrived at La Vigía Square, which is very close to the San Juan River, where I was able to contemplate the architectural beauty of the buildings around it, where the Fire Corp, the Sauto Theater, built-in 1863 and featuring ornate balconies, chandeliers, and frescoes, the Palace of Justice, it dates from the 19th century and was the first neoclassical building built in Cuba; as well as several restaurants, cafes, and other commercial establishments, stand out.

Something that completely captivated me is the beauty of the San Juan River, as it conveys a sense of peace and tranquility that completely envelops you.

Connecting both banks, we find two of the most important bridges in the city: the railway swing bridge and the Calixto García Bridge, both of unparalleled beauty.

The Swing Bridge was built in 1902 to allow the crossing of the railway to the east of the city and is one of the few swing bridges that can still be found. Its design allows the bridge to open to allow the passage of ships through the city's canal. The Swing Bridge is a symbol of the important commercial activity that took place in the city during colonial times and is now a popular tourist spot.

Just 300 meters upstream, we find the Calixto García Bridge, or Iron Bridge, as it is also known. Since 1897, it has provided a safer and more expedited transit for the traffic of the time over the San Juan River.

I confess that it was hard for me to leave the place to continue the tour. The next point to visit was Freedom Park.

The Freedom Park, formerly known as Plaza de Armas, is the second most important meeting point in Matanzas after La Vigia Square. It is a place where Cubans have always gathered to chat, stroll, have dates... and above all, enjoy the panoramic view offered by the surroundings of this square.

In the center of this emblematic place, there are two sculptures of great artistic, historical, and above all symbolic value. The Statue of Liberty, which gives the park its name, is represented by a woman holding a broken chain with both hands while her face hints at a fierce cry for freedom. Behind her, on a pillar, stands a statue of José Martí, the National Hero of Cuba, presiding over the entire square.

Around this significant altar in the middle of the square, the landscape is completed with palm trees and other trees under which we always find Matanzans strolling or chatting on their benches. Surrounding this beautiful scene are several of the most important and majestic buildings in the city, such as the Provincial Government, the Velasco Hotel, the Biblioteca Gener y del Monte (formerly the Spanish Casino), and the Pharmaceutical Museum.

With this privileged location, it is not surprising that it is one of the favorite places of the locals since the city was built.

After touring the center of the city, I went to the Church of Saint Peter Apostle, because I had references from some friends that it was a place worth visiting for its beauty. I have to say that this one exceeded my expectations because it is really beautiful.

Time, the relentless time, did not allow me to visit other places that I wanted to visit, such as the Bellamar Caves, El Morrillo, explore a little more the facilities that are on the banks of the Canímar River, other parks, churches and important buildings in the city. So I had no choice but to go to the last point of this unforgettable tour: the Bacunayagua Bridge.

Bacunayagua Bridge!! What can be said about the Bacunayagua bridge that does not fall short? It's totally amazing!!

The project and the materialization of the Bacunayagua Bridge corresponded to a group of Cuban civil engineers led by Luis Sáenz Duplace. In October 1959 the important road was open to traffic. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Cuban civil engineering.

In the place, there is a viewpoint from where you can see the greatness of the landscape. Upon entering the viewpoint, I was surprised by the reception of a traditional musical group that filled the place with joy with that jovial character of the people of Matanzas. What better closing for this wonderful tour?!!

My Experience in Matanzas

My visit to Matanzas was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The city is so rich in history and culture that I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by everything there was to see and do. From the beautiful old buildings to the stunning natural sights, Matanzas has something for everyone.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was walking through the historic center of the city and admiring the architecture. I was impressed by the number of old buildings that had been restored and preserved with such care. I also enjoyed the local food at the city's restaurants. I tried some traditional Cuban dishes like rice and beans and ropa vieja, and was impressed by the quality and flavor of the food.

Recommendations for Visitors

If you're thinking of visiting Matanzas, here are some recommendations that might be useful:

Plan your visit in advance: Matanzas has a lot to offer, so it's important to plan your visit in advance so you can see everything you want. Make a list of the places you want to visit and make sure to leave enough time for each one.
Experience the local food: The food in Matanzas is delicious and varied, so make sure to try some traditional Cuban dishes during your visit.
Explore the historic center: The historic center of the city is one of the most beautiful parts of Matanzas, so make sure to dedicate time to exploring it. Walk through the cobblestone streets and admire the ancient architecture.
Visit the Yumurí Valley: If you love nature, don't miss the opportunity to hike through the Yumurí Valley. The view is breathtaking and it's a great escape from the city.
Visit the Bellamar Caves: Located 5 km from Matanzas, are a set of galleries of more than 23 km and 300,000 years old, which makes them the oldest tourist center in Cuba and a National Monument.

In summary, my visit to Matanzas was an incredible experience that I will never forget. The city is beautiful, rich in culture and history, and has a lot to offer visitors. If you have the opportunity to visit Matanzas, don't hesitate to do so. I'm sure you won't regret it.

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Photographer	@r4f4
	Follow me: https://vero.co/rferrod All photos are my property and the references related to historical dates were taken from public sources such as Ecured and Wikipedia.

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