Trinidad
The beautiful city of Trinidad, on Cuba's south coast, was founded in 1514 and prospered in Colonial times as a trading center for slaves and sugar. The survival and preservation of its buildings and cobblestone streets led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The historic center of Trinidad (map below) has been extensively restored, making it both a visual treat and a valuable historical record of Cuba's colonial past.
Looking NW from Plaza Mayor. Right foreground is Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísma Trinidad (church). Beyond it on right is Palacio Brunet (mansion), and in distance is Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco (a monastery, now occupied by the Museo de la Lucha contra Bandidos). The bell tower is a landmark visible from all around the town center.
Casa de Aldeman Ortiz (on left), which now houses an art gallery.
Bell tower of Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco.
The bell tower again, looking along Calle Hernandez Echerri.
Neatly restored buildings along Calle Simon Bolivar.
Two views of Plaza Mayor.
Along Calle Martinez Villena.
Plazuela del Jigüe.
Another quiet street, looking west.
Palacio Brunet
Palacio Brunet, a mansion built in 1912 for the wealthy Borrell family, now houses the Museo Romantico, a museum displaying period furnishings from the Borrell family and others in the area.
Teatro Brunet
Not far away are the ruins of the Teatro Brunet (Brunet was the married name of Mariano Borrell's daughter). The roofless old theater is in ruins, but they are handsome ruins, and a bar/restaurant operates in the preserved space.
Some Other Things We Noticed
A drummer entertains us as we have namesake cocktails at Canchánchara, a bar operating in an alcove off of Calle Martinez Villena.
A family comes to town in a horse-drawn wagon (very common in rural areas of Cuba).
