Camagüey CityCamagüey - Other Cities And Attractions A characteristic feature of this city is the large number of squares and parks, including San Juan de Dios Square, built in the 18th century and Ignacio Agramonte Park, which used to be the parade grounds in colonial times. A sober colonial architecture and a traditional inclination for the arts have enriched the spiritual and cultural life of the people of Camagüey. Camagüey is known as the Tinajones city. Its first residents were in serious problems with the absence of water, since its extensive plain is not plentiful in water sources. However, it rained so much. The problem was how to stock the precious liquid: Spanish potters settled in the village found the solution to the problem of stock water. They made the now famous tinajones, a kind of vessel to stock water, following the models of the Spanish vessels that came from Spain with wine and oil. They discovered that local clays were easy to mold, resistant and with refractory properties. With this clays began the manufacture production of big vessels named as Tinajones to stock the water. In that way surged the most important ceramic industry in the country, which maintains its production in the actual days. Because of its difficult street layout, Camagüey is called “The Maze”. Camagüey was founded early in the 16th century and is one of the cradles of Cuban culture. The oldest part of the city is unique because of its narrow, twisting streets and alleys, which start or end in public squares and form a complicated labyrinth, that was deliberately designed this way to confuse pirates and other raiders in the past. Most of the buildings have cool, leafy inner patios, which contain the large tinajones; the symbol of the city.
Other attractions include the Principal Theater (built in 1850); the Puerto Principe Cemetery (created in 1814 and the oldest of the cemeteries being used in Cuba); the Ignacio Agramonte Museum (history and decorative arts); the Amalia Simoni Manor (decorative arts and pieces of furniture that illustrate 19th century costumes); Ignacio Agramonte Park (the former Arms Square, created in 1528); churches and public squares of great architectural and artistic value; Troubadour’s House; art galleries; handicraft exhibits; the house where Ignacio Agramonte, a general in Cuba’s Wars of Independence against Spain in the 19th century, was born and the house where Nicolas Guillen, Cuba’s national poet, was born. The city also has a prestigious dance company, the Ballet de Camagüey. It hosts an International Theater Festival and the traditional Festivals of San Juan, which date from the 18th century and consist of a week of dancing and parades of colorful floats, street dance groups and congas. Attractions Camagüey City
Camagüey’s most important literary figure, considered Cuba’s national poet, was born in this house, which stands as a simple tribute to his life and enduring work. Guillen, an Afro-Cuban, born here in 1902, only lived in the house for 2 years, though he returned to Camagüey after studying law in Havana and worked as a journalist for a local paper. The house now functions primarily as a research and cultural center, with occasional poetry readings and concerts. Casa Natal de Ignacio Agramonte This is the birthplace and home of Camagüey’s number one hero, the 19th century revolutionary general Ignacio Agramonte. He was killed in action against the Spanish in 1873. The museum contains information about his life, his career and campaigns and has exhibits such as his letters and guns. Iglesia de nuestra Señora de la Merced The most significant structure on the rather plain plaza de los Trabajadores is this massive 18th century brick church, Camagüey’s most distinguished and in its day the largest in Cuba. A chapel existed on this spot in 1601; the present structure dates to 1748 (it was reconstructed in 1848 and again in 1909 after a fire). The church is an eclectic architectural mix. Adorning the ceiling are surprising Art Nouveau murals, added in the 20th century. Also of note are the painted wood, neo-Gothic altar and the Santo Sepulcro, a 1762 casket elaborately fashioned from 25,000 silver coins and carried high by 8 men during Easter processionals. Down narrow stairs behind the principal altar is a mysterious crypt, the remains of an extensive underground cemetery. Most of it was closed off after fire damage, but 6 macabre tombs with skeletons remain and are on creepy view alongside a small museum of 18th and 19th century objects uncovered at the church. Museo Provincial Ignacio Agramento This museum is housed in a striking building that was once a Spanish cavalry barracks. It contains exhibits on local history, flora and fauna. Plaza del Carmen
Not long ago, the church and convent at the end of the open square stood roofless, in utter ruins. The baroque-style Iglesia de nuestra Señora del Carmen, which dates to 1825, is now restored. It’s the only church in Camagüey, and in the whole eastern half of Cuba, topped by 2 towers. The early 19th century Monasterio de las Ursalinas next door is now an architectural showpiece distinguished by handsome arches framing the expansive patio. Built in 1829, the convent later became a refuge for hurricane victims and a school for the poor after the sisters transferred their headquarters to Havana. In the years subsequent to the Revolution, it served several purposes; most recently it was a nondescript warehouse. The building was taken over in 1999 by the city historian’s office and today the convent is an eye-pleasing beauty, definetely worth while a visit! Plaza San Juan de Dios A national monument and one of the most remarkable colonial relics in Cuba, this elegant and serene square looks like a movie set. Its charms are subtle but undeniable. The colonial arches, cobblestones, and houses with red-tile roofs and window grills speak volumes about Camagüey’s colonial past. The square, whose present design dates to 1732, holds great significance for Cubans: The body of the national independence war hero Ignacio Argamento was brought here, after being burned by the Spaniards, for identification in 1873. |
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Among other things, Camagüey has the narrowest street in Cuba; Funda del Catre Alley, 2.2 meter wide and 77 meter long. 
Casa Natal Nicolas Guillen
To one side of a lush cloister is the old convent, which still houses a rapidly decreasing number of nuns. 
A narrow pedestrian-only street of pastel-colored colonial row houses opens to an irregularly shaped square. Renovations have revamped the 18th century square with street lamps, huge tinajones and slightly larger-than-life sculptures of locals in various poses of daily work and pleasure. The restored spot has done much to uncover a classic Camagüey colonial plaza.