This introduction to Manzanillo in Cuba was written by a Cuba travel expert from Cuba For Less, a specialist in fully customizable Cuba vacation packages.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Cuba Destinations – Charm and History in Manzanillo

Manzanillo is a little remote city compared to the large cultural centers in Cuba; however, it is quiet and interesting to visit for the charm of its bay and the mountains surrounding it. It’s a city full of history and with many places to know. Life in Manzanillo has been marked by the ocean. Since very early, the inhabitants of the island have felt the sea’s proximity and influence in the development of their lives, which in a way has defined the Cuban character and behavior. People in this city have a different lifestyle, whose spirit depends, to a large extent, on the sea’s rhythmic chain.

Its official history begins with the construction of the first house in 1784 by Mr. José Nazareno de León in the fields of the ancient indigenous regions of Macaca and Guacanayabo, and its first name was Puerto Real. However, it’s been proposed that the town has existed since much earlier for many vessels went to that harbor before its foundation to be loaded with woods and fruit from that region and from Bayamo, which means there existed a permanent community, even though it could be small. In 1792, the French privateers of the West Indies made excursions into the area and the Captain General, Las Casas, ordered the construction of a fortified redoubt with 4 pieces of artillery. He strengthened the security in the area bringing militias and gunners from Bayamo . The privateers and smugglers’ raids determined the effective and ruled colonization of the rising town.

In 1805 a church was raised, dedicated Our Lady of Conception (Nuestra Señora de la Concepción). By then, the population increased to 300 souls. The first church was declared parochial in 1821. The Charity Hospital was finished in 1853 and in 1857, the fire department was created and the region obtained from the highest authority the title of “city” with the dictate of “unconquered”. From then on, the city’s development and growth was safe and continuous, with no major ups or downs during its evolution until the decade of 1940.

Manzanillo was also the scene of the events narrated in the first classic literary piece of Cuba, Espejo de Paciencia, written by Silvestre de Balboa. Around the city, many historic events took place as well. Among them, there was the burning of the indigenous cacique, Hatuey, by the Spaniards in the town of Yara, the same place where on October 10, 1868 the Calls of Yara (El Grito de Yara) were shouted for the Independence of Cuba. In the outskirts of the city, the Demajagua ranch is located, where the patriot Carlos M. de Céspedes freed his slaves and invited them to fight for Cuba’s liberation and sovereignty in 1868.

Manzanillo also played an important role in the support given to the Rebels and Fidel Castro during the war of the 50s in the 20th century, leading to the defeat of the tyrant Batista and to the settlement of the Cuban Revolution. Celia Sánchez Manduley was born in this city. She was a heroine in the Sierra Maestra and Fidel’s secretary till her death in 1981.

Apart from the wonderful sight of the Bay, Manzanillo owns numerous colonial and eclectic buildings of a high historical and architectural value. Parque Céspedes highlights among them with its Morisco square, as well as the Neo-Classical church of the Purísima Concepción, the 1906 Café, and the City Hall.

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Matthew Barker -
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This introduction to Manzanillo in Cuba was written by a Cuba travel expert from Cuba For Less, a specialist in fully customizable Cuba vacation packages.

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Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/cuba-destinations-charm-and-history-in-manzanillo-2312184.html

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cuba destinations, cuba cities, manzanillo cuba, cuban history, things to do in cuba, cuba attractions, cuba travel, cuba vacations