Camaguey - capital city

Throughout its history this park has had several names, before in 1899 it was named after Ignacio Agramonte, a local hero of the Cuban War of Independence. Once it was the center of the city. In the center of the park is located a beautiful statue made by the Italian artist Salvatore Buemi. It was inaugurated in 1912 by the widow of the hero, Amalia Simoni.

The house, where Ignacio Agramonte was born is located in the center of Camaguey. It's a beautiful colonial house with a high architectural value showing Spanish, neoclassical and rococo influences. Inside you can see all the original furnishings and decorative objects of the 19th century. There is exhibited as well a lot of documents about the role of Agramonte in the War of Independence.

This building was erected in 1848 and in the beginning it was used as the headquarters of the Spanish Cavalry. Later it became a prestigious hotel and finally transformed in a museum. Today you can visit exhibitions of Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, Natural History and Archeology.

This church is located at the Plaza del Carmen and was built in 1823. His patrimonial value is located in the front, the portal, the dome and the vault. The decorative elements, that were used are scarce in other churches on the Cuban island. After suffering two landslides it was rebuilt carefully and without damaging the original features in 2003.

Camaguey is also known as the "City of Tinajones". This is because there are a lot of huge clay vessels, which you find in all parts of the city. The tinajas (pots) or tinajones (jars) were used in large colonial houses to store water when it became scarce. Currently, there are not in use anymore but became a symbol of the city.

It is noteworthy that Ballet of Camaguey is a prestigious company recognized internationally. Founded by Fernando Alonso (former husband of the well-known dancer Alicia Alonso) and is the second largest in Cuba after that of Havana. The ballet company of Camaguey has won several awards and offers a wide repertoire ranging from classics like "Giselle", to more avant-garde plays. If you have the opportunity to attend one of their performances, don't doubt! Camaguey ballet is one of the best in Cuba.

This is one of the most ancient buildings of the city of Camaguey and in 1978 was declared a National Museum. Located by the square with the same name, the building was used as a hospital by the Hospitable Order of the Brothers of St. John of God ("Orden Hospitalaria de los Hermanos de San Juan de Dios") for more than a century.

In 1952, it became a Children's Hospital and was the first center of pediatrics in Camaguey. Today the museum displays the various historical stages of the hospital, in particular the development of pediatrics in a board of medicine. In addition, there are exhibitions of visual arts, activities such as lectures and workshops and as well concerts.

This is the house, where was born Carlos Juan Finlay y Barés. That was a famous Cuban doctor and scientist, which investigated in depth the "yellow fever", a disease that was common in this time in some villages, and caused the death of many people. The doctor not only discovered the causes of the disease, but as well how to eradicate the yellow fever.

Nicolás Guillién Batista, Cuba's national poet, was born in this small, modest home in 1902. Here is located the Research Center with his name, whose goal is to investigate the life and poetic creation of the author and journalist. The museum exhibits the work of Guillien, which was mainly devoted to social and racial problems.

This wonderful building was erected in 1850 with a lot of marble and crystal glass. After a brilliant period came the outbreak of the war. In the period from 1868 until 1875 the place was used as headquarters of the Army. After suffering damages and a conflagration, it was restored and reopened as a theater in 1926. In the 1950s it belonged to several companies such as Paramount Pictures. Here acted many artists from all over the world. Today it is the headquarters of the Ballet of Camaguey.

The history of this theater dates back to 1920, when it was built as an alternative for those who couldn't afford the prices of the much more expensive "Teatro Nacional". Formerly it was known as the "Phoenix Theater". It is a good place to enjoy high quality theater. Today it is the headquarters of the "Conjunto Dramático de Camagüey".

This is where art lovers can develop their skills. This House of Culture offers writing workshops, fine arts courses, concerts, dance and theater.

A real cultural institution dedicated to the Cuban Trova and Nueva Trova (sing and songwriter). Here you can listen traditional Cuban music by day and by night. There is also a bar and a small souvenir shop.

This gallery is located in a building of the 19th century in the center of the old town. The name is a tribute to Alejandro Carpentier, a prominent Cuban writer and one of the greatest writer of twentieth century Latin American literature. Carpentier promoted the foundation of art galleries throughout the Caribbean Island.
The exhibition is spread over eight halls, seven of them dedicated to the work of artists from Camaguey and one to universal art.

In addition to the city and its attractions there are beautiful places to explore in the surroundings of Camaguey. Ask your householder to organize a day-trip with an included meal in the middle of the nature of the city. We recommend a trip to La Finca.