These World Heritage Cities represent the wealth of Cuba’s two richest centuries. The Haitian revolution of 1791 destroyed the sugar and coffee economy of that island, which until then had supplied a third of the world’s sugar and coffee production. Many of the Haitian landowners settled in Cuba, bringing with them slaves, equipment, wealth, and knowhow, all of which they put to work in their new land.
Cuba became, almost overnight, the largest importer of slaves in the Caribbean, and the most profitable and prolific exporter of sugar and coffee. The creole Cubans were quick to see the advantages of the system and expanded their lands as rapidly as they could, taking no account of the virgin forests of precious wood which they destroyed for this immense agrarian reform.
After the War of Independence the US government controlled the Cuban economy, and US investors and multi-nationals invested heavily in the export economy and anything associated with it. Until the collapse of the world economy in the 1930’s, money making was Cuba’s favourite sport. Fortunately large amounts of the wealth were invested in the built environment which is a cultural treasure for today.
Trinidad Tours
Architecture and Culture
Trinidad was the first city in Cuba to be designated as a World Heritage city. Its cobbled streets, squares and colonial buildings preserve a time of elegance and wealth.
African religion
A visit to an Afro-Cuban Cabildo where the sacred congas are kept, and worship is maintain in the traditional style.
Sugar and Slavery
Join us in the exploration of the colonial sugar trade. For a period in the 19th century Trinidad was wealthy beyond belief. Visit the Valley of the Sugar Mills, explore the archeological sites which are once more bringing to life the past. Explore the life of the city which depended on the wealth of both of the trades.
Art in Cuba – Trinidad and its Artists
Visit the studios and galleries of some of Cuba’s well known and less established artists. Trinidad has a strong tradition of the crafts, particularly crochet, and embroidery, wood work, ceramics, and basketry. Enjoy meeting artists and artisans, exploring their work and their lives.
Cienfuegos Tours
Architecture in Cienfuegos
Centred on a sheltered, deep water, port, Cienfuegos was the natural successor to the town of Trinidad. Built by Haitian refugees, American sugar barons, and investors in Cuba’s wealth, the city of Cienfuegos has a tranquility in its public spaces which belies the frantic money making which underlay it. Our tour takes you to some of the benefits of this enormous personal wealth. A 19th century theatre built to honour the man who first electrified his sugar mills, a 20th century palace built for newlyweds. The beautiful homes which characterize the Malacon and the Punta Gorda make an excellent place to wander. Cienfuegos was recently declared a World Heritage City, and is constantly expanding the restoration, renovation, and repair of its principal streets, to reveal more of their architectural splendour. The tour is led by one of the leading architects responsible for many of the restorations and rebuildings of Cienfuegos’ architectural treasures.
Arts in Cuba – Artists and Artisans in Cienfuegos
As in the past, the wealth of Cienfuegos (this time as a refinery and petro-chemical town) allows the arts to florish. Enjoy meeting some of Cienfuegos leading artists and artisans, in their studios and galleries.
Gardens of Cienfuegos
Jardin Botanico
The Jardin Botanico was once the estate of an American sugar baron. He created a marvelous collection of species trees and bamboo. The estate was left to Harvard University, and since the Triumph of the Revolution has been maintained by the Cuban government. Wander these beautiful grounds and enjoy seeing the trees of adventure stories – the bottle tree (remember Swiss Family Robinson), and the cannon trees whose fruit are exactly like cannons and its flower beautiful to see – but hold your nose!
Orchid Garden
This private garden is the home of the second largest and best orchid collection in Cuba. Meet its creator and enjoy exploring his many exotic and indigenous orchids. If you are a collector this tour is a must.