Cuban content creator Víctor González, known on social media as @victoriny_, recently shared a video showcasing an astonishing abandoned mansion perched atop a mountain in Cuba.
The video raises numerous questions, as the young creator did not disclose the exact location of the property, nor could he identify its owner or explain how to access it.
While exploring the exterior of the residence, which remains entirely sealed, González was only able to capture footage of the interior through the windows.
The abandoned home is likely owned by the Ministry of Tourism or another state entity. It boasts modern architecture and a private pool, both in a state of neglect. The water is stagnant, the garden overtaken by weeds, and the electrical system has been removed.
Such videos highlight the frustration felt by many Cubans over the waste of properties left abandoned by the regime while thousands of families live in overcrowded conditions, in homes on the brink of collapse, or even lack a roof over their heads.
One of the most striking comments on the post noted that "the windows and doors are in good condition, there’s easily $400 there," referring to the thriving black market for construction materials in Cuba due to widespread shortages.
There are numerous instances where individuals discover uninhabited state-owned houses and strip them of anything saleable, from tiles to electrical switches, as a means of survival.
Unlike other ruins that show decades of neglect, this mansion appears to have been vacated relatively recently, as it still retains all its doors and windows, though they are not the original ones.
Víctor González's video once again brings to light the contradictions of Cuban reality, where remnants of past luxury exist alongside current poverty, and where many regime-owned properties end up in decay while the populace faces one of the worst housing crises in its history.
Insights on Abandoned Properties in Cuba
Why are there so many abandoned properties in Cuba?
Many properties in Cuba are left abandoned due to state ownership and mismanagement by the regime, resulting in neglect and decay while the population faces severe housing shortages.
What happens to the materials from abandoned houses in Cuba?
Materials from abandoned houses are often removed and sold on the black market, as there is a high demand for construction materials due to widespread shortages in the country.
How do abandoned properties reflect the housing crisis in Cuba?
Abandoned properties highlight the housing crisis in Cuba by showcasing the contrast between unused, decaying state-owned homes and the dire living conditions of many Cuban families.