BaracoaBaracoa is on the northern coast of Guantánamo Province, over 1,000 km east of Havana. Swathed in generous tropical vegetation and refreshed by 10 rivers, Baracoa is perhaps the most picturesque spot in all of Cuba. Its name is aboriginal and means ‘Land of Waters’. It’s not only the most beautiful place on the island, it's also the oldest. Baracoa was the first settlement established by Diego Velázquez in 1511, which makes it the oldest colonial city in the Americas. Christopher Columbus is thought to have first landed at this spot in late November 1492, and locals claim that he planted a wooden cross here to mark his arrival (the cross, carbon-tested for age, is on display in the Asunción church in town). After its founding, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Baracoa remained the capital of the new Spanish colony for just 4 years; when Velázquez moved the capital west to Santiago, on a bigger and deeper bay, Baracoa's isolation had already begun. The small fishing and farming village remained virtually cut off from the rest of Cuba, with no true road in until the 1960s, when a scenic roller-coaster of a highway was cut through the mountains. For such a small, isolated settlement, Baracoa is loaded with things to do and see. It swims with possibilities for hiking, white-water rafting, and boating. Baracoa really shines the first week of April, when heady street parties commemorate the date General Antonio Maceo disembarked at nearby Playa Duaba in 1895, marking the beginning of Cuba's War of Independence. The greatest pleasure Baracoa offers, though, is just being here. Most people make the trek just to take in its extraordinary beauty, tranquillity, and abundant charms. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the tropical seaside town is tucked into green hillsides covered with cocoa and coconut groves, and surrounded by beaches lined by royal palms. As the abundant greenery attests, Baracoa is huddled in the midst of the wettest region in Cuba. Attractions Baracoa Archeological sites In the area around Baracoa are as many as 50 pre-Columbian archaeological sites related to the major Native American groups that inhabited the area (Siboney, Taíno, and Guanturabey). The only native group to survive is the Yateras, a small community that has succeeded in preserving their traditions, marrying only among themselves and living along the Río Toa. Fortresses In the 18th and 19th centuries, Baracoan settlers built 3 fortresses to protect the town from pirate attacks. El Castillo de Santa Bárbara, the oldest of the bunch, sits high above town, with splendid views of the bay and surrounding countryside; it has now been converted into a hotel. Museo Municipal de Baracoa The Municipal Museum, also called Museo Matachín, contains archeological exhibits dating from the period before Columbus stumbled on the area and many photos, documents and other exhibits related to the local history, from its founding up to the present. The museum also has a collection of extraordinary, vividly colored and striped polimitas (snail shells), which locals used to make into necklaces and sell to tourists before the supply dried up. Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
It is most notable for the Cruz de la Parra, a small wooden cross on display inside a glass case. Locals insist that Columbus himself planted the cross on the banks of the bay in 1492, shortly after disembarking on Cuban soil for the first time. Whether or not there's any truth to that claim, carbon dating has in fact established that the cross is more than 500 years old (making it one of the oldest Christian relics in the Americas, if not the oldest). The hardwood is native to Cuba, though, so if Columbus did leave it, he must have fashioned it in situ rather than having brought it with him, as was originally believed. The cross has greatly dwindled in size, due to the faithful over the years who thought nothing of slicing off a memento for themselves. Parque de la Independencia Next to the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is Parque de la Independencia (also called Parque Central), a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists enjoying a few lazy days in Baracoa. A bust of the rebel Taíno Indian leader Hatuey (whose countenance today appears on beer bottles) adorns the square. Hatuey took up arms against the early conquistadores until he was caught by the Spanish and burned at the stake. | |
|
© 2006-2008. All Rights Reserved. For inquiries, please contact us at: info@cubatoday.com |
The historic village sits on a lovely oyster-shaped bay, Bahía de Miel, and the landmark flat-topped mountain known as El Yunque (The Anvil) looms in the background. Baracoa is its own greatest attraction. Its bustling streets are lined with gaily painted clapboard houses, and the rivers, beaches, and mountains beyond the city are perfect for outdoor exploration.
The rather austere cathedral, was constructed in 1512, though it was burned by the French in 1652. The current structure was rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century.