Discover Trinidad

Plaza Mayor is at the heart of Trinidad’s 37-hectare historic center. The area measurement refers to the center as a whole; the square serves as its central point of reference. Historic palaces, the history of the houses and squares, and locally made crafts offer different cultural experiences. For travelers choosing a hotel stay based on the character of the place, distinguishing between architecture, guided city tours and craft offerings can help.

Palaces and city history

Palacio Cantero stands on Plaza Mayor. It now houses Trinidad’s municipal history museum, the Museo de Historia Municipal, and has a viewing tower. The palace thus combines a specific historical use with a distinctive architectural feature. Another building, Palacio Brunet, is known as the Museo Romántico and is among the earliest two-story houses in Trinidad. Two-story means that a house has two floors; this classification describes the design of Palacio Brunet, not just its museum name. By comparison, Cantero is notable for its history museum and viewing tower, while Brunet stands out for its early two-story architecture.

Guided tours and crafts

With a specialized guide, visitors can explore Trinidad’s streets and learn more about the history of its houses and squares. The tour looks beyond individual buildings, explicitly including houses and squares in the story of the city. The palaces provide specific names and architectural features; the tour adds the history of the houses and squares.

In the historic center, local workshops and markets offer plant-fiber items: jabas, hats, mats and bags. Several galleries and craft markets in Trinidad also offer garments made by local artisans using Randa, Malla and Frivolité. These three terms refer to textile techniques; unlike the plant-fiber items, the focus here is on garments made using named techniques. The crafts can therefore be distinguished by item and technique: plant-fiber items on the one hand, and clothing made using Randa, Malla and Frivolité on the other. This makes it easy to decide whether you are more interested in the plant-fiber items mentioned or in the textile techniques.

Playa Ancón nearby

Playa Ancón is on the Ancón Peninsula, 12 km from Trinidad. The beach is a separate destination nearby, while Plaza Mayor, the palaces and crafts are associated with the city. These offer different options for planning your trip: an interest in architecture and city history points to Trinidad; Playa Ancón adds a nearby beach to the selection. If you are looking for a hotel in Trinidad, you can use these interests to decide whether to prioritize the city’s cultural attractions or include the beach as well.

Discover more destinations: Jatibonico

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