Rolién García, a Cuban native, took to Instagram to share a video showcasing the progress of the restoration project for "La Ruina" in Isabela de Sagua. This iconic building once served as the bustling commercial hub of the coastal town, located in northern Villa Clara.
"What I can tell you is that cleaning and maintenance are currently underway. That's the focus right now," García explained in his post.
Taking advantage of low tide, García ventured on foot to the building, which is surrounded by the sea, and was able to capture the ongoing work from a closer perspective.
"The people involved in this project are sharing all the details with me, but I'm not able to disclose any further information just yet," he mentioned.
The Architectural Legacy of "La Ruina"
Isabela de Sagua, with its significant port on Cuba's north-central coast, has a rich architectural history hidden behind the nickname "La Ruina." For decades, it served as a crucial point in the nation's maritime trade network.
Dating back to the 19th century, the area had its own customs house. Initially, this was a wooden structure, but in 1929 it was replaced with a sturdy two-story neoclassical building designed to withstand the region's frequent cyclones.
This new structure, with its elegant façade featuring three arches and restrained proportions, became a prominent symbol of the town's economic prosperity.
At its peak, the port of Isabela de Sagua boasted impressive figures, such as exporting over 2.3 million sacks of sugar in 1948.
From Splendor to Neglect
However, after 1959 and the subsequent decline of port commerce in Cuba, the building fell into disuse. Although it withstood numerous hurricanes, it could not endure the prolonged neglect imposed by the Cuban government.
Over the years, "La Ruina" saw various uses, but it gradually deteriorated. Community-driven restoration efforts aimed to transform it into a recreational venue, but these initiatives faltered due to a lack of resources.
Today, the former customs house stands in a state of disrepair, mirroring the general decline of a once-thriving port and community, now largely deserted and forgotten.
Once dubbed the "Venice of Cuba," Isabela de Sagua was known for its wooden homes built on stilts over the water. Residents still hold on to memories of prosperity and hope for a revival in fishing and commerce.
Understanding the Restoration of "La Ruina" in Isabela de Sagua
What is the current status of the restoration project for "La Ruina"?
The restoration project for "La Ruina" is currently focused on cleaning and maintenance efforts, as shared by Rolién García.
What historical significance does "La Ruina" hold?
"La Ruina" was once a crucial commercial hub in Isabela de Sagua, with a rich architectural history dating back to the 19th century. It served as a key point in Cuba's maritime trade.
Why did "La Ruina" fall into disrepair?
After the decline of port commerce post-1959, "La Ruina" was neglected by the Cuban government, leading to its deterioration despite withstanding several hurricanes.