Trinidad Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba)

The historic town of Trinidad de Cuba is considered by many to be a museum in its own right, due to its wealth of well-preserved old buildings and tourist attractions. When the sugar industry all but shut down in the late 19th century, the town's prosperity was badly affected and very few infrastructure changes were made for many years, thus saving the historic town centre from modern development.

Trinidad is famous as the most 'colonial' town in Cuba, and exploring the old city is a time-warp experience treasured by its many thousands of visitors. Notable attractions include the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity and the ruins of the Brunet Theatre, as well as the grand architecture surrounding the Plaza Mayor square. Just a short distance to the south is the coastline and the beaches around the Playa Ancon, while the seaside village of La Boca lies directly west.

Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity (Iglesia Catedral de la Santisima Trinidad)

Address: Plaza Mayor, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Presiding over the Plaza Mayor, the massive tower of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity is the focal point of the town. This 19th-century church took from 1817 to 1892 to complete and is the largest church in Cuba. Tourists paying a visit to the cathedral will be able to enjoy a magnificent view across the region from its bell tower.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Urban Historic Centre (Centro Historico Urbano)

Address: Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Just a few blocks wide, the historic colonial district and its contents are all beautifully preserved, due to the collapse of the sugar industry in nearby Valle de los Ingenios. When Trinidad declined from being a busy commercial centre to a dark provincial town, there was no money for redevelopment. As a result, the elegant colonial mansions, charming painted houses, palaces and other buildings, complete with their antique furnishings, now attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Antigua Villa de la Santisima

Address: Centro Historico Urbano, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
The Antigua Villa de la Santisima is a beautiful old colonial mansion and home to the religious community of the Santaria faith and culture, a mix of the Yoruba cult brought by the slaves, Roman Catholicism and native Indian beliefs. Explanations of the faith are given, along with sessions of worship several times a week. Ask around in town for details.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Brunet Theatre Ruins (Ruinas del Teatro Brunet)

Address: Calle Echenagusia, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
These romantic ruins were once the Brunet Theatre, the centre of Trinidad's local culture, until a disastrous fire in 1901 which literally brought the roof down. Nowadays, a Cuban band performs here on a regular basis and usually attracts quite a crowd, while a tiny cafe is also based at the ruins and provides a choice of refreshments.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Three Crosses Plaza

Address: Three Crosses Plaza, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
This 18th-century plaza and its neighbouring streets, known as the Calvary district before the revolution, were once famous for a spectacular Easter procession. Since the late 20th-century legalisation of religion in Cuba, after many years of suppression, the parade is again taking place around the Three Crosses Plaza.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plaza Carrillo

Address: Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Highly regarded as an entertainment centre in the early 19th century, this paved square dates back to the 18th century and is surrounded by fine colonial architecture, which has been fully restored back to its former glory. A number of the town's most prominent buildings bound the Plaza Carrillo, such as the offices of the local government.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plaza Mayor

Address: Plaza Mayor, Calle Simon Bolivar / Ruben Martinez Villena, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
The heart of the old city of Trinidad (the Casco Historico) is its central square, the Plaza Mayor. The square is surrounded on all sides by the town's most spectacular colonial buildings. These serve as a monument to the vast riches of the town, which was founded on the sugar and slave trades. Shady benches, small coffee houses and friendly bars make this a meeting place for both locals and visitors alike. One of the Plaza Mayor's biggest attractions is the Museo Historico Municipal, while other worthy highlights include the Museo Romantico, the Museo de Arquitectura Trinitaria, the Museo de Arqueologia Guamuhaya and the Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plaza de Santa Anna / Iglesia Santa Anna

Address: Plaza de Santa Anna, Camilo Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Saint Anna Square is a significant cultural centre in the town and is home to the mid-19th century Royal Jail / Spanish Prison, as well as the ruins of the Iglesia Santa Anna, an imposing and somewhat eerie whitewashed structure with a central tower. Also here is a restaurant, a gallery, a handicrafts market and a shop selling quality pottery pieces.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Central Park (Parque Cespedes)

Address: Parque Cespedes, Calle Jose Marti / Chinchiquira, Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Located on the Lino Perez in the New Town of Trinidad, which is anything but new, is this attractive green space. The Parque Cespedes is a focal point for residents, with its shady trees and pretty paths. Neighbouring attractions include the Cine Romelio Cornelio cinema, the Asamblea Municipal (Municipal Assembly), the Casa de Habano y Ron (House of Cigars and Rum) and the Biblioteca Gustavo Izquierdo library, while nearby accommodation comes in the form of the Hotel La Ronda and the Iberostar Grand Hotel.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free