Founded by the Spaniards in 1819, but immediately settled by the French, this impressive port city was once the center for the sugar cane, mango, tobacco and coffee production, and trade. There is a regal, old-world aura to the city with some of the most elaborate neoclassical buildings on the entire island. The City of Cienfuegos was the first town in Cuba to be developed in the neoclassical style and represents what were then new and cutting edge ideas of modernity, hygiene and order in urban planning in 19th century Cuba.

The center of neoclassical architecture and home to dozens of palaces, theaters, and structures, you can fill a day with a walking tour. You can also visit the artist markets and meet many of the young, cutting edge artists residing in Cienfuegos. The port of Cienfuegos is a nautical door to the magnificent archipelagos off the south coast of Cuba. for titles, paragraphs & more.