Cienfuegos Landmarks and Monuments

(Cienfuegos, Cuba)

There are several high-end landmarks and sights in Cienfuegos and its environs. These rank from prominent streets and thoroughfares to a wealth of impressive structures from yesteryear. Although not having the appeal of Havana, Cienfuegos is a lot easier to get around and has more than its fair share of noted sights.

Most of the main landmarks are located in and around the Parque Jose Marti, or along the Paseo del Prado, the longest street in the city. There are well maintained, ancient churches and mansions galore, together with the odd cemetery.

Paseo del Prado / Malecon

Address: Calle 37, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
The Paseo del Prado (Calle 37) is a long thoroughfare running right through the centre of Cienfuegos (north to south), stretching from the Rio El Ingles (north) all the way down to the popular Punta Gorda in the south. Actually the longest city street in the country, the Paseo del Prado is a fantastic place to walk and people-watch, and is loaded with neoclassical buildings, monuments and many funky shops. As you head southwards, the Paseo del Prado becomes the Malecon, where you can enjoy a promenade alongside the bay. During the evening, the Malecon is an especially lively place to hang out.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Casa de la Cultura Benjamin Duarte

Address: Calle 25 - 5401, Parque Jose Marti, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 0432 516 584
The Casa de la Cultura Benjamin Duarte is one of the grand structures that overlooks the Parque Jose Marti. Formerly named the Palacio de Ferrer, this wonderful place was built in 1918 and comes with its own tower (mirador), from where there are fantastic city views. As you explore, you will encounter a series of interesting features, such as an Italianate marble floor and an iron staircase, while it is the dome-shaped cupola that gives the building its distinctive appearance. Live music can be enjoyed at the Casa de la Cultura Benjamin Duarte most nights.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to midnight
Admission: free

Palacio de Valle

Address: Calle 37, Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 0432 511 226
Dating back to 1917 and located on the corner of Calle 37 and Avenue 2, the opulent and somewhat gaudy Palacio de Valle is one of the top landmarks in Cienfuegos. This palace is especially photogenic and rather Arabic / Moroccan in character, and lies on the southern side of the city, just beyond Punta Gorda. Although the architecture is perhaps a bit over the top, the palace offers an interesting tour and also comes with a classy restaurant and terrace bar.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 23:00
Admission: charge

Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion

Address: Avenue 56 - 2902, Parque Jose Marti, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 0432 525 297
Overlooking the Parque Jose Marti at the eastern end is the Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion (Cathedral of the Most Pure Conception). The cathedral stands right next door to the flashy Boutique Hotel and was built way back in the late 1860s, with the interior featuring an especially high nave. Boasting stained-glass windows from France and coming with two lofty towers, the facade is known for its neo-classical appearance and pale yellow colour.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 12:00
Admission: free, donations suggested

Cementerio La Reina

Address: Calle 7, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
The Cementerio La Reina (the Queen Cemetery) is to be found on the corner of Calle 7 and Avenue 50, and is one of two National Heritage cemeteries in Cienfuegos. This serene place is situated on the western side of the city, near the water's edge, and was founded way back in 1837. It features graves of Spanish soldiers who perished in the wars of independence and has the distinction of bodies being interred above ground, in the walls in fact. This is a first in Cuba and is because of the ground saturation.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Necrópolis Tomás Acea

Address: Carretera de Rancho Luna, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
The Necrópolis Tomás Acea in Cienfuegos is one for the archaeological buff, with its Parthenonesque look. Just a short taxi ride from town and located in south-east Cienfuegos, this local landmark is known as a garden cemetery. Onsite is a large neoclassical pavilion and dozens of Doric columns that have taken their cue from Greece. There is also a monument dedicated to the marine martyrs.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge