Camagüey, Provincial capital in central Cuba
Camagüey is a large city in central Cuba with an old quarter featuring narrow, winding streets and colonial-era buildings. The city spreads across flat terrain and serves as a major economic and cultural hub for the region.
The city was relocated inland from its coastal site in 1528 to escape repeated pirate raids on the original settlement. This move allowed it to grow into a major trading and administrative center that prospered for centuries.
The city remains a center for traditional crafts, with artisans practicing techniques passed down through families in their workshops. Walking through the streets, you can see pottery, textiles, and wooden goods being made using time-honored methods.
The city is best explored on foot, especially the old quarter with its narrow streets and plazas. Wear comfortable shoes since the cobblestone streets are uneven and the layout of different neighborhoods can be confusing.
The city is known for its collection of tinajones, large ceramic water vessels displayed throughout the old quarter. These distinctive containers were historically used to collect rainwater and remain a defining feature of the city today.
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