Museo Histórico

The Museo Histórico (Simón Bolívar #423, esq. Francisco Toro, tel. 041/99-4460, Sat.–Thurs. and every second Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., entrance CUC2, cameras CUC1, videos CUC5), one block south of Plaza Mayor [1], occupies the Palacio Cantero. Once the home of the Borrell family, it had a fountain that spouted eau de cologne for the ladies and gin for gents.

The history of Trinidad [2] is revealed as you move through rooms furnished with rocking chairs, alabaster amphorae, marble-topped tables, and other antiques. Other intriguing exhibits include an antique bell, stocks for holding slaves, banknotes, and a magnificent scale model of the Andrei Vishinsky, which entered Trinidad harbor on April 17, 1960—the first Soviet ship to visit Cuba after the Revolution. A watchtower offers fine views.