Baracoa, Cuba’s First City, Hits 500

Photo Feature by Rosa Martinez

HAVANA TIMES, August 10 — Baracoa, was the “primera villa” of the island of Cuba, having been founded by the Spanish on August 26, 1511. Diego Velazquez gave it the name “Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion.”

Its oldest architectural works, which back to the epoch of when the village was first colonized, combine with the most varied and beautiful natural landscape, making this city an attractive and welcoming place for its residents and visitors alike.

Soon to mark the 500th year since its establishment, the entire city of Baracoa is absorbed in an intense program of restoration activities involving both its public works as well as the natural environment surrounding the area.

The city and surrounding areas were hard hit by hurricanes in recent years and the reconstruction work has been intense.

To read more about Baracoa, and see more photos of its spectacular landscapes, its people and their agriculture and industries, see these Havana Times reports:

Baracoa: 500 Years of Solitude (Part 1)
Baracoa: The Mecca of Cocoa in Cuba (II*)
Baracoa (Part III): The Coconut & Cocoa Industries
Cottage Industries, Baracoa (Part IV)

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