From San Juan de Los Remedios (1578), the eighth town built by the Spanish in Cuba, the settlers departed almost a century later in search of prosperity and to place themselves beyond the reach of corsairs and pirates, founding Santa Clara in 1689 in a valley in the centre of the island. In the end its prosperity and strategic position led to the city being declared the capital of the former province of Las Villas and, later, of Villa Clara, where the youngest Cuban destination is to be found, Las Brujas, Ensenachos and Santa Maria keys, to the north of the territory.
How to get there:
It takes no time to get to Santa Clara in the centre of the Island, along the Autopista Nacional (motorway) or the Carretera Central (central highway) from Havana (267 Km.), Cienfuegos (74 Km.), Varadero (207 Km.) and Trinidad (88 Km.). Another alternative is to arrive at Abet Santamaria International Airport, 12 kilometres from the city, which receives large capacity aircraft, or at Cayo Las Brujas airport, for small and medium-sized aircraft.
Sun and sand:
A road over the sea measuring 48.6 Km long joins the Villa Clara district of Caibarién with the Las Brujas, Ensenachos and Santa Maria keys, to the north of the province. The first is steeped in a popular legend of an impossible love affair involving another islet in the region, Borracho; the second has a permanently calm sea owing to its location; and the third is also interesting for archaeology enthusiasts. All three boast fine, white sandy beaches, a gentle slope and ultra transparent waters. Attractive surroundings for diving, fishing, water sports and boat trips along the canals that separate the keys.
City:
Santa Clara, the capital of the most central of Cubas provinces, was founded in 1689 by relations of San Juan de Los Remedios. This is one of the most important cities in the country owing to its scientific and industrial strength. It set the stage for the last battles that resulted in revolutionary triumph on 1 January 1959, Led by commander Ernesto Che” Guevara. It is also renowned for its strong culture and history.
Culture:
Some of the history and culture of Villa Clara is on display at the Provincial Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts, whose collections reveal in chronological order the events that took place in the country, the life and work of top figures in the arts and furniture and decorative items from the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as examples of the influence in the province of the rococo, neoclassical and Cuban imperial styles.
Mausoleum to Ernesto ‘Che” Guevara. and his compatriots who fell in Bolivia: here lie the remains of the legendary Cuban- Argentine guerrilla and some of his compatriots who fell in Bolivia. On display are personal objects belonging to Che and to other combatants who participated in the war of liberation, which took place in Cuba from 1956 to 1959, and the Bolivian epic of 1967 In the way of theatre, dance, literature and music there is always something to see at the different night spots, cultural institutions and theatres in the city, among them La Caridad Theatre (built in 1885 and declared a National Monument), where the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso will be performing.
San Juan de Los Remedios was the eighth town founded in Cuba (1578). Its historical city centre, which was declared a National Monument in 1980, contains important heritage buildings that are extremely well pre served. The most valuable example of heritage in Remedios and one of the most important in the whole country is the Parroquial Mayor de Remedios 116th century). Its enormous Baroque altarpiece made from cedar and laminated in gold is considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America. Home where the famous musician Alejandro Garcia Caturla was born in Remedios (1906-1940). A revolutionary and independent composer who based his works on Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
Museum of the Parrandas Remedianas. Dedicated to this popular festival which has been held every year since 1820 and is a well-established tradition. On display are photos, models, changing rooms, street lamps and other objects used during these processions. One of the most important actions led by Che Guevara during the battle of Santa Clara was the armoured train. Parts of the convoy, one of the last resorts by the government of the period, remain in the place where the fighting took place and on display inside are photos and weapons. Famous all over the country are the traditional parrandas of Remedios and Camajuani, which are districts divided into Carmelitas and Sansarles and Chivos and Sapos, respectively. Once a year they show off with brotherly rivalry their carriages, squares, tricks and fireworks. At the end the two sides from each place declare themselves the winners.
Nature:
The Guamuahya mountain range (to the centre of southern Cuba) is a place of outstanding natural beauty and stunning scenery. Rain-forest mountain vegetation, with a vast number of trees, thrives here and a hundred or so endemic species have been identified. This is a great place to observe the landscape, flora and fauna. Hill walking, hiking, trips, cycling tours, caving and horse-riding all allow people to experience and become better acquainted with the local culture.
The keys to the north of Villa Clara house 248 species of plants, while the refuge for fauna (77 844 hectares) provides shelter for coruas (a type of cormorant), pink flamingos, seagulls, coral snakes, cantiles (a variety of snake found in Cuba), dog fish (exclusive), chivirica (a variety of goat), molluscs, iguanas, the jutia rat from Cayo Fragoso and the chipojo azul (the Cuban blue chameleon of Santa Maria), both of the latter being endemic.
Active tourism:
Towards the west of Cayo Santa Maria appears a rocky seabed (cabezos) combined with a corral reef that prevents surges of heavy waves on the beaches of the keys and provides refuge for dozens of underwater species which are extremely beautiful both to look at and for underwater photography. Other water sports can be practiced in this area as well as diving, such as sailing, deep-sea fishing, surfing, speed boat racing, water-skiing, etc.
Since 1933, a mile from Cayo Frances, the San Pascual boat, has lain aground. This relic of naval engineering was launched at sea in 1919 from the shipyards of San Francisco, California, to transport honey. It holds memories of the presence in these waters of North American writer Ernest Hemingway and the Cuban painter Leopoldo Romañach. It has been converted into a floating hotel.
Lake Hanabanilta and Alacranes dam, two of the most extensive dams in the country, are ideal for catching trout.
Health:
At the end of the 19th century, a slave discovered curative properties in the waters of the Elguea, on the north-western coastline of Villa Clara. A high level of sulphur and very hot temperatures encourage the recovery of people suffering from skin, bone, brain and respiratory disorders. Programmes to combat stress improve the quality of life.
Leisure and restaurants:
There are cultural and recreational centres in the province, where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy themselves while getting to know the traditions and identity of the province.
At various establishments, restaurants and country properties, Cubanacen Palmares and Rumbos give visitors the opportunity to have a pleasant time while sampling Villa Clara’s cuisine. There are also several fast food establishments such as the Ditu, Piropo and El Repido coffee bars.