Matanzas - The Athens of Cuba |
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Matanzas is also known as “the Athens of Cuba” is situated sixty miles from the capital city of Havana; It has very interesting architecture and is renowned for its AfroCuban folklore, culture and many bridges. In Matanzas one can enjoy the sound of danzonete or rumba, as it is the birthplace of Danzón. Matanzas is located close to sea on the northern shore of the island of Cuba, on the Bay of Matanzas. Matanzas was named so in the 19th century when it served as the country’s sugar capital. Matanzas can be reached via the “Via Blanca” highway; also Matanzas is served by Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport, which is located 15 km east of the city. |
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On the route to Matanzas one will cross small rivers like the Jaruco, Santa Cruz, Jibacoa, Puerto Escondido and Bacunayagua along with few populated communities, there is also the biggest Rum Factory which is situated in Santa Cruz. One can camp at two places Los Cocos and El Abra. The site of Los Cocos is very picturesque surrounded by small beaches and limestone hills, as one climbs down the elevations one will find rivers cutting the elevations through gorges to reach the sea. The bridge over the River Bacunayagua is an interesting engineering work.
Matanzas or the “City of Bridges” is on the bay but this bay is different from any other in Cuba as it is wide in its entrance and narrows towards the mouth of the rivers Yumurí and San Juan which both cross the city. On reaching the city you have to cross the Yumurí River using the bridge La Concordia, of colonial style, the bridge leads to the center of the city. There is a firefighter’s station and the beautiful Sauto Theatre in the city, which is worth a visit. One place of attraction is the Bellamar Caves, opened to the public in 1862, these caves are a system of discretely illuminated galleries where specialize guides explain the origin and evolution of the cave. Other attractions being the Pharmaceutical Museum - established in 1882, Cathedral San Carlos De Borromeo, Museo Historico Provincial de Matanzas and more.
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