Cienfuegos
The maritime town of Cienfuegos was known as the “Pearl of the South” and still retains its colonial charms.
A boat ride round the bay gave us time to relax.
Now dilapidated, in its heyday, the Tomas Terry Theatre was one of the most fabulous theatres in Cuba with Caruso & Sarah Bernhardt performing here.
Built between 1913-17, the Palacio de Valle is an eclectic mix of Moorish, Venetian & Gothic styles and is a folly in the grand manner.
The dictator Batista turned Palacio de Valle into a gambling casino. It is now a restaurant with fine views over the bay from its roof terrace.
Walking down the pedestrian area, I found, as in most other areas of Cuba, the shops caught in a time warp.
We experienced a short sharp Caribbean thunderstorm in Cienfuegos. Very dramatic. There was no way we could leave the shop until the thunderstorm passed over.
