Matanzas, Provincial capital in western Cuba.
Matanzas is a city in western Cuba where three rivers create a network of waterways connected by seventeen bridges throughout the urban area. Key sites like the Teatro Sauto, Pharmaceutical Museum, and San Severino Castle sit near the central Plaza de la Vigía and are easily walkable.
The city was founded in 1693 by thirty families from the Canary Islands and grew into a major sugar production hub during the 1800s. This period of growth left a lasting mark on the city's buildings and layout that remains visible today.
This city is the birthplace of Cuban rumba and danzón, musical styles that remain woven into daily life through performances and celebrations. African traditions shape the local character, visible in how people gather, dance, and mark special occasions throughout the year.
The flat terrain and compact layout make walking the best way to explore, especially in the old center and along the riverbanks. Wear comfortable shoes and take time to cross the bridges, as they offer views that help you get your bearings in the city.
The San Carlos Borromeo Cemetery features remarkable funeral architecture and holds the graves of numerous important figures in Cuban history. Though often overlooked by visitors, this quiet space reveals much about the city's past and the people who shaped it.
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