Trinidad, a little town in Cuba

This was the third most important city in Cuba in the 16th Century. Founded by the Spanish in 1514,  it was named Villa de la Santisima Trinidad.

Main sugar trade centre

Trinidad was among the main sugar trade centres during that time. But then sugar beet grown in France replaced the sugar cane imported from Cuba. As a result, Trinidad lost its importance and was somewhat forgotten.

Original colonial architecture

This contributed to the perfect conservation of the original colonial style architecture and the cobblestone streets. Trinidad was reawakened in the 1950s when a new road connected it to Cienfuegos. The old part of Trinidad was declared UNESCO Heritage Site in 1988.

Getting there

After a long bus ride from Vignales, I finally arrived in Trinidad. All of us descending the bus were pretty much overrun by tour guides, owners of casa particulares and taxi drivers. I hopped onto a rickshaw and reached my accommodation in minutes as Trinidad is really small. My casa was close to the Cathedral in Plaza Mayor, the heart of old Trinidad.

Trinidad, Cuba

Cathedral

I went out straight away to explore. Within few minutes I reached the close by main square with the cathedral.

My first impression confirmed what Trinidad is well known for: time has stopped here.

Trinidad, Cuba
Trinidad, Cuba

Main Square

This is the Plaza Mayor surrounded by colonial buildings. I found it interesting that the flat pavement stones in the center of the square actually originate in Germany. They were used as balance weights on empty ships on their way from Europe to Cuba. The ships then sailed back loaded with sugar and tobacco.

Trinidad, Cuba
Trinidad, Cuba

Meeting point

Next to the cathedral, I found “the steps”. Located in the centre of the historical part of Trinidad, it is here where people meet up.

With plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, it turns into a great dancing place after sunset.

Pedestrian zone

The old town is a pedestrian area apart for some taxis that are licensed to enter here.

As a consequence, the locals revert to horse carts for the transportation of goods.

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Trinidad, Cuba

Cantero Palace

This is a splendid old colonial style villa with a pretty patio.

It was formerly owned by a wealthy Spanish family and is now the Municipal History Museum.

Trinidad, Cuba

Great panoramic view from the roof

I climbed up all the way to the roof of the villa and had a great view of Trinidad and the surrounding Escambray Mountains.

Trinidad, Cuba
Trinidad, Cuba

Souvenir Market

Next, I passed by the little souvenir market behind the Cathedral. Trinidad, together with the market stalls found at the Valle de los Ingeneos, are the only places in Cuba selling the pretty hand embroidered tablecloths and runners at very low prices.

Trinidad, Cuba

Living rooms turned into restaurants

Owners of a number of great villas converted their living rooms into restaurants. Dinner is served on precious china, drinks in crystal glasses and you will be eating with silver cutlery.

Parque Cespedes

The park lies in the more modern part of Trinidad and is about a 10-minute walk from old town. Telephone booths, as seen in the picture, remain the main means communication for the majority of Cubans.

Trinidad, Cuba
Telefonica in Cuba

Foreigners buying up the town

By the way, a number of Italian and French nationals have bought up old houses and apartments for a very moderate price and are restoring them. However, to buy property as a foreigner, some Cuban relation is needed.

Charming town but plenty of visitors

In conclusion, my impression of Trinidad was that it is a beautiful and definitely to visit if you are in the area. However, I found it pretty crowded with tourists. As a result, the only way of taking some pictures without hundreds of people in the way was early in the morning.

My excursions from Trinidad

Next, I got myself a taxi and proceeded to near by points of interest. I also went for a boat trip to the Iguana Island and tracking in Topes de Collates. But check out the posts I have written on various excursions I did.

For more tips on Cuba check out What to Pack, Cuba visited as a sole female traveller

My destinations in Cuba were Havana, Trinidad, Vignales, Cienfuegos, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba

Also check out my excursions from Trinidad.

And a short of restaurants I visited.

Enjoy the reading!