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History Attracts Tourists: Cuba's Centuries-Old
In addition to excellent white-sand beaches, history, culture and tradition can be found in centuries-old houses and artworks in perfect state of preservation.

The city of Camagüey, the capital of the eastern Cuban province of the same name, boasts a unique patrimonial wealth resulting from 494 years of history.

Founded under the name of Villa de Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe on the Bay of Nuevitas, the city was moved hinterland, on the banks of the Caonao River and was officially called Camagüey.

Also known as "the city of tinajones", Camagüey is famous for those large earthenware jars, which were used centuries ago to collect rainwater for human consumption and currently decorate gardens and parks.

The city combines modernity with history in an environment where buildings are closely related to historic attractions that give the city a special touch.
Camagüey. Patio with "tinajones" (large earthenware jars)
Camagüey. Principal Theater
San Juan de Dios Square

Camagüey is a city with one-tower temples, façades with eaves and pilasters, iron-wrought windows, inner portals and red-tile roofs, elements that are characteristic of a sober and at the same time flamboyant architectural style in a true labyrinth of alleys.

The city has a peculiar design, as streets are straight in short segments and then turn left or right in a capricious way, ending in one of many squares of the former village.

The main square in Camagüey is the so-called Ignacio Agramonte Park, built in 1528 as the Arms Square. The park remains to be the nucleus of the city's architectural structure despite the many changes Camagüey has undergone through time.

Other major buildings in Camagüey are the Principal Theater, built in 1850 and decorated with marble and glass, and the 18-century Church of Mercy, where visitors can appreciate the beauty of the silver Holy Sepulcher, the largest of its kind in the country.

Camagüey also offers 125 kilometers of excellent beaches, which are complemented by Sierra de Cubitas for those who enjoy nature tourism.

In that environment stands out Santa Lucía, one of the world's most beautiful beaches, which is protected by the second largest coral reef on earth and is inhabited by large colonies of pink flamingos.

Santa Lucía is also an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkeling, as it offers 35 dive sites, some of which keep the remains of 27 sunken ships from the Spanish colonial period and World War II.

(DTCUBA)


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