Camaguey
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Centre Of Camaguey, 2008); A Colonial Centre Of Deliberately Irregular Streets, The Third Largest City In Cuba · Camaguey, Camaguey
Camaguey is the third largest city in Cuba and the least like a grid. Its streets were laid out in curves and dead ends and irregular blocks, and the traditional explanation - that it was built as a maze to confuse pirates who kept sacking the place - is probably too neat but is what everyone tells you. The effect is real either way: you cannot see far in any direction, squares appear without warning, and getting lost is the normal way to visit. UNESCO listed the centre in 2008. The other local signature is the tinajon, an enormous earthenware jar made here to catch rainwater in a dry province, which now stands in courtyards all over the city. Plaza San Juan de Dios is the best-preserved square, the churches are numerous, and the city has a serious ballet company. Getting lost here is not a failure of navigation but the intended experience, and it is unavoidable however carefully you try.
Plaza San Juan de Dios, Camaguey, Camaguey, Camaguey, Cuba
The city is open at all hours. Churches, the Casa Natal de Ignacio Agramonte and the museums keep daytime hours and close on varying days. The ballet and theatre have evening performances when the power allows. Plaza San Juan de Dios and the restored squares are pleasant in the evening. Power cuts close things without notice.