Page 190 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

188  CUBA REGION B Y REGION

Trinidad: Exploring Plaza Mayor

The museums and buildings facing the main square in
Trinidad lend historic weight and depth to the “suspended-
in-time” feel of this city. It is worth stopping in the town
centre for at least half a day to see the museums, relax on
the benches in the shade of the palm trees, enjoy a cocktail
at the bar on the steps next to the cathedral, or stroll
around the stalls in the crafts market.

R Iglesia Parroquial de la Trinidad. While preparing to
Santísima Trinidad make a fourth attempt to reach
Plaza Mayor. Open 11am–12:30pm Mexico, the ship’s captain
Mon–Sat. decided to leave behind part
Completed in 1892, this austere of the cargo, which included
church with a Neo-Classical the huge chest containing the A 19th-century shower in the Museo de
façade stands at the top of the statue of Christ. The locals Arquitectura Colonial
sloping Plaza Mayor. regarded the arrival of the
The four-aisle interior has a sacred image as a sign from building techniques used
fine Neo-Gothic altar dedicated Heaven, and from that during the colonial
to the Virgin of Mercy, with a time on the Señor de la period. There is a
painting by the Cuban painter Vera Cruz became an collection of various
Antonio Herr on the rear wall. object of fervent worship. locks, latches, doors,
But the real attraction of this The Maundy Thursday hinges, windows and
church is an 18th-century procession, which was grilles, as well as parts
wooden statue made in Spain, suspended in 1959 of walls and tiles.
the Señor de la Vera Cruz (Lord and revived again in In one of the
of the True Cross), which is 1997, is dedicated to Bronze knocker, Museo de bathrooms facing
associated with a curious story. this statue. Arquitectura Colonial the inner courtyard
The sculpture, made for one is a fine example of
of the churches in Vera Cruz, E Museo de Arquitectura a 19th-century shower, with a
Mexico, left the port of Colonial complicated network of pipes
Barcelona in 1731, but three Calle Ripalda 83, e/ Hernández supplying hot and cold water.
times in succession the ship Echerri y Martínez Villena, Plaza Mayor.
was driven by strong winds Tel (41) 993 208. Open 9am–5pm P Universal Benito Ortiz
to the port of Casilda, 6 km Sat–Thu. & 8 Note: fee for Galería de Arte
(4 miles) from the city of photography may apply. Calle Rubén Martínez Villena y Bolívar,
The front of the 18th-century Plaza Mayor. Tel (41) 994 432.
mansion of the Sánchez Open 9am–5pm Mon–Sat.
Iznaga family, now the home This beautiful mansion
of the Museum of Colonial with a long wooden balcony,
Architecture, features a lovely reminiscent of the colonial
portico with slim buildings in La Habana Vieja,
columns, a wrought- is evocative of the city’s golden
iron balu strade and age. It was built in 1809 for
wooden beams. Ortiz de Zúñiga, a former
Originally, the building slave trader who later became
consisted of two the mayor of Trinidad. The
separate houses, both house currently serves as an
of which belonged art gallery.
to sugar magnate The first floor has paintings
Saturnino Sánchez on display (and for sale) by
Iznaga. The houses contemporary Cuban artists,
were joined during including Antonio Herr, Juan
the 19th century. Oliva, Benito Ortiz, Antonio
The museum, the Zerquera and David Gutiérrez.
only one of its kind Of interest in the gallery itself
in Cuba, covers the are frescoes, the great staircase,
different architectural and, in the upper hall, a ceiling
elements seen in decorated with figures. From
The statue of Señor de la Vera Cruz (1731), in one of the Trinidad and the balcony there is a fine view
chapels inside Santísima Trinidad illustrates the of the entire square.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp261–2 and pp274–5

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