Cuba, a country full of treasures for the development of tourism, is also supported by its cultural and historic options which can be found across the Cuban archipelago.

It is important to mention that the available facilities for ecologic tourism, diving, tourism-related sport activities and shows are linked to an infrastructure which is oriented to the protection of the country’s cultural and historic heritage.

Precisely, Havana stands out in this agenda which combines recreation and history, thanks to its traditions, architectural heritage, culture and Caribbean environment which are complemented by several tourist facilities.

Havana’s historic heart comprises museums, churches, cultural institutions and buildings which date back to colonial times, including about 33,000 constructions built during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The primary core of Havana, with a history starting in 1519, preserves an actual collection of castles, fortresses and buildings of high historic and cultural value, which were constructed around a system of squares mixed with monasteries and temples.

The open spaces which demarcated the area within the city walls are the Arms, Cathedral, Old, Christ and Saint Francis of Assisi squares.

In the country’s central area, the city of Cienfuegos stands out for its two dozen libraries, 11 museums, over 30 movie theaters and five theaters; all complemented by cultural institutions, art galleries and monuments which reflect the Cuban traditions for the enjoyment of domestic and foreign visitors.

Likewise, Cienfuegos has the only Triumphal Arch existing in Cuba, which was built in 1902, and the Tomas Terry Theater, one of the three most important theaters in the 19th century, where Enrique Caruso sang, among other relevant artists.

In addition, the western city of Matanzas, capital of the province by the same name and also known as the Athens of Cuba or even as the Venice of the Americas, due to its rivers and canals, has shown a dynamic commercial and cultural life since colonial times.

Meanwhile, the village of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Baracoa (Our Lady of the Assumption of Baracoa), founded by Governor Diego Velázquez between 1511 and 1512 in the eastern area of the island, came to be the first Cuban capital and diocese.

The City of Camagüey, capital of the province by the same name, and founded under the name of Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe is another important place to be taken into account.

Camagüey is also known as “Ciudad de los Tinajones” (City of Large Earthenware Jars) since this type of earthenware containers were widely used centuries ago to store rain water for human consumption, among other uses; nowadays they are mainly a decoration in gardens and parks.