Viva Cuba! Such an Attractive Place by Dina Tititampruk

After the sunsets, architecture is somehow the most significant attraction for the tourism industry in Cuba. Cuban culture is world-famous and its colorful history is meaningfully expressed in its wonderful architecture. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, the heart of Cuba’s capital, is a 528 acre area that contains approximately 4000 buildings; and  the place is filled with historic churches and monuments. In a variety of styles, we can see an eclectic merging of Baroque and neoclassical themes, including Spanish Baroque, Neocolonial, Beaux Arts, and Moorish.

 

Our wonderful nine-day trip (Saturday, 19 – Sunday 27, May, 2012) took us to a number of different places in Cuba. Our tour guide explained the nation’s great history and many details about each place to us. After a full day of travel, we finally arrived in Havana and checked into our hotel (“Hotel Plaza”) at 3.00. The Hotel Plaza, one of Havana’s oldest hotels, combines a rich history with beautifully restored charming interiors and a superb location near the colonial heart of the city.

On the second day we went to Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, a museum of Fine Arts that exhibits Cuban art collections from the colonial times through contemporary collections. After that, we spent most of the afternoon on a walking tour of Old Havana areas. We had a wonderful time looking at the elegant, beautiful architecture of colonial buildings located in nearby areas, such as Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza de la Catedral, and Plaza de Armas. 

Plaza de San Francisco, where the Terminal Sierra Maestra cruise port has two piers opening on to the plaza’s cobble stone streets, is home to the ornate basilica of San Francisco de Asis. A breathtaking vision of Habana Vieja and its harbor can be captured from the church’s bell tower.

Plaza de Armas, “Square of Arms”, was constructed for military training in 1584. Used books, primarily post-revolution editions on Cuban history, can be purchased in the square on most mornings. Havana’s town hall is the city museum nowadays, and another museum is located in a 17th century mansion. We ended the day by visiting the Maqueta of Havana, which an impressive scale map of the city of Havana made out of the cardboard.

The following day was spent touring Museo de la Revolution which is well known for its subject matter and its location in the former Presidential Palace. It was the headquarters of the Cuban government for 40 years. In 1957, a group of university students stormed the Presidential Palace with the aim of executing dictator Fulgencio Batista. The assault failed and most of the young attackers were killed. Today, this museum presents a rich exhibit of the revolution that shows the rise of the Cuban nation to the present.

Prior to departing for Cienfuegos, we visited the Centro Che Guevara, which is directed by his daughter. This is the house where he lived during those first months when he was in charge at La Cabana. I found that this was one of the best Che exhibits as it includes some amazing artifacts about Che’s story.

In Cienfuegos, we were also guided around the main plaza which has several historical buildings included the Teatro Tomas Terry and the Casa de Cultural Benjamin Duarte. 

On the way back to Havana on Friday, we also visited the Museum of Playa Girón. The Museum of Playa Girón showcases some artifacts and much information about the failed invasion of Cuba by exiles and the CIA.  There are machine guns, mortars, and rocket launchers, as well as a tank and an airplane. There are also biographies and photos of all 156 Cuban Government soldiers, police, and militiamen that were killed in the conflict.  According to the museum, 200 invaders were killed and 1297 captured.  There are maps of the invasion and a display on the area where the attack took place.

Our great nine-day trip was a colorful journey, with nice travelers and great experiences that I will not forget. During the journey I took many pictures. Thank you everyone for making this trip so wonderful.

-Dina Tititampruk