Camagüey

Camagüey city, capital of the province of same name, is one of the Cuban cities that better preserve the Hispano-Arabic features regarding urbanism and architecture. Its several churches have significant examples of the art and religious-funeral customs of colonial times. It also treasures the major historical center in the country (313 he), declared National Monument in the 80’s and World Heritage in 2008.

Its urbanistic design is very particular. Its twisting narrow streets and alleys form labyrinths ending at squares, very popular as the village grew , as well as pottery, one of the most important traditions dating from the XVII century.

Camaguey is the birthplace of Ignacio Agramante, a relevant personality in the 68’s war, and protagonist with his wife of one of the most beautiful love stories in the country. Carlos J Finlay, phicisian who changed the medicine of his time and settled the basis for tropical medicine with his research on the yellow fever agent,was born here, as well as Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, a relevant figure in Ibero-American poetry and prose. Enrique Jose Varona, painter Fidelio Ponce and National Poet Nicolas Guillen come from this city too.

Camagüey is a land of legends, earthernware jars and churches, facades with housecoats and pilasters, windows with beautiful grilles, houses with one way roofs and interior doorways open onto a yard full of peace, shade, humidity and fresh air, which give the city that old taste it treasures so well.