Trinidad, Cuba
Registration Year
1988
Registered Sector
Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios
Historical Function
Industry (sugar).
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Location and site
Trinidad is situated in south central Cuba and up against the mountainous region of El Escambray. Its port, which has good mooring conditions, opens into the Caribbean Sea.
Historical Reference
- In 1518, the port of Trinidad was the point of departure for the expedition of Cortés to Mexico. From the end of the 16th century on, the strategic function of this port city was supplanted by its economic function.
- On the island of Cuba, the 17th century witnessed the development of cattle rearing and of sugar cane and tobacco plantations. Trinidad became increasingly prosperous as the Spanish demand for these products grew.
- The sugar industry was established in the Valley of "los Ingenios" at the end of the 18th century. In Trinidad, monumental architecture appeared in the 19th century, at the same time as the sugar factories multiplied in the valley. This was when Trinidad reached the peak of its prosperity as the third largest city in the country. By this time, the urban plan, laid out in the 18th century, had attained its present-day appearance.
Urban Morphology
The plan developed downwards from the summit, where the Plaza Mayor is located; the ensemble comprises narrow rectilinear streets. Certain arteries radiate outwards from this square and extend outside the city. The streets, which generally intersect at different angles, make up an irregular grid.
The large buildings that frame the Plaza Mayor include a palace, a church and a convent. Early colonial dwellings, churches and convents make up the rest of this uniform urban fabric. The traditional domestic architecture is characterised by multicoloured low houses with roofs inspired by the "Mudéjar" style and wide awnings.
Registration Criteria
Not available.
Contact
| Sr. Ramón Bernardino Naranjo León Presidente | Asamblea Municipal del Poder Popular Calle Antonio Guiteras 1 entre José Martí y Francisco Petersen.Trinidad, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba 62600 | Tel: 0053 41996463 Fax: Email: naranjo@tdad.ssp.co.cu |
| Sra. Nancy Benítez Vázquez Arquitecto Especialista | Oficina del Conservador de la Ciudad Calle Ernesto Valdés Munos No. 18 Trinidad, Cuba 62600 | Tel: 0053 41996230 Fax: Email: nbv@restauro.co.cu |
| Sr. Norberto Carpio Calzada Director | Oficina del Conservador de la Ciudad Calle Ernesto Valdés Munos No. 18 Trinidad, Cuba 62600 | Tel: 0053 41996230 Fax: Email: carpio@restauro.co.cu |
| Ing. Leidy Hernandez Perez Directora Oficina del Conservador de Trinidad | Oficina del Conservador de Trinidad y el Valle de los Ingenios Palacio Borrell Calle de la Media Luna, 18 Trinidad, Cuba 62600 | Tel: +53 4199.6230 Fax: +53.4199 6230 Email: |