CubaPLUS Magazine

In close connection with the beautiful and peaceful Bay of Cienfuegos, in the central south coast of Cuba, is the Naval Historical Museum of this beautiful Cuban city, called the Pearl of the South by its proud residents. Located in areas of the former Southern Naval District of the Cuban Navy, it stands on the small islet Cayo Loco, overlooking the Bay and the Jagua castle.

The surroundings could not be more charming. Dedicated to the history of seafaring and something more, it is a venerable institution because it is marked by endearing legendary events that talk about the heroism of locals when they fought to conquer freedom, more than 60 years ago. There was a revolutionary uprising led by sailors and civilians on September 5, 1957, amidst the guerrilla campaign in the Sierra Maestra.

Converted into a Naval Historical Museum, the only facility of its kind in the country, it was declared a National Monument in 1987. A main building of eclectic architectural style, predominant in the southern city, welcomes the institution that does not hide a Renaissance air in its lines. It has two more bodies of real estate that help it form a kind of horseshoe that converges towards a central courtyard. In 1977, a monument conceived by the architect Daniel Taboada and the sculptor Evelio Lecour was placed. in tribute to the fallen in the heroic uprising of September 5, made outstanding in the history of Cuba.

This institution acquired its current function on September 5, 1980. When going thru its rooms, the visitor will be able to discover interesting data on the naval history of Cuba, offered in a high-quality story fidelity and attractive artistic presentation. There is not only information on military actions, but also data about raids by corsairs and pirates that were abundant in the southern coasts of the archipelago from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

And there is an area dedicated to natural history, very illustrative of the formation of the Earth, rocks and marine fossils. In addition, several collections of different species of the fauna and flora of the region. Ancient instruments, a replica of a ship's bridge, and the various international marine signaling systems, They illustrate the extensive information in a pleasant and curious way. This institution also surprises by exhibiting testimonial samples of the contemporary art with marine themes as a source of inspiration. Local artists are very present in it. The fact is also very fascinating that the Naval Museum of Cienfuegos is set in Cayo Loco, known interchangeably as Cayo Güije or Cayo Nuevo, a place seasoned by enigma and legend.

There, they say, walks the soul of the Black Venus, who was mute, and she suffered greatly, despite her dazzling beauty, in the cruel times of slavery and discrimination. In her eternal sorrow, local residents think she has never been able to abandon the key, where Venus resided during her life... Something more real is that the old Spanish military base located in that site, according to history, was very important because it helped in the fighting against the English occupation back in the distant 18th century. A site with a very interesting story, without a doubt.