Matanzas City, Cuba
Tourism Information
Matanzas is a city of many names. "City of Bridges,"
"City of Rivers," and the "Venice of Cuba," all reference
the fact that the city is divided by two major rivers, and
connected back together by a series of pedestrian, auto, and
rail bridges.
The city of Matanzas, birthplace of the century-old danzón
musical style that continues to enjoy great popularity, also
merits a visit. There are archeological sites here,
including the Cueva de Bellamar, and good camping areas such
as the Yumurí and Canasí Valleys, both of which have a rich
variety of flora and fauna, rivers and natural viewpoints.
If you prefer to tour the city itself, there is much to see,
including parks, squares, museums, and galleries. The
architecture is extremely beautiful and rich in Spanish
influence, and the city has a great view of the Bahía de San Juan.
Due to its slow pace and laid-back nature, it
is also sometimes called Cuba's "Sleeping Beauty." However,
the city is probably most proud of its moniker as the
"Athens of Cuba," a name reflecting Matanzas's important
cultural tradition and history. The first danzón, a languid
and lyrical original dance and musical form, was originally
composed and played in Matanzas in 1879 by native son Miguel
Faílde, and Matanzas has a rich legacy of prominent poets,
writers, painters, and musicians.
Still, today's reality is
that aside from its beautiful old city center, Matanzas is a
relatively unappealing industrial port city of only passing
interest to travelers. While it is a popular destination for
day trips out of Havana and Varadero, there are no notable
hotels or restaurants in Mantanzas.