Palacio de Valle

About this place

Palacio de Valle is a historic villa in the city of Cienfuegos, built by the Italian architect Alfredo Colli between 1913 and 1917 and recalling Moorish architecture. It stands by the city's bay, with arches, decoration and towers of many kinds, quite unlike anything around it. It was declared a National Monument in 2000 and is used as a restaurant and for hospitality. The original client was the Cuban merchant Celestino Caces, who sold it to the Asturian-born Acisclo del Valle Blanco, who completed the building. He was one of the Spaniards who made fortunes in Cuba at that time and raised fine buildings that became landmarks of the city. The house still carries his name today. You face a gateway with a pointed arch and green and white decoration, balconies with green railings and slender columns. Each tower has a different shape, one with a small red dome above the roof. Inside are carved patterns and iron doors, and two white marble sphinxes guard the entrance. From the roof you look over the wide bay, its green water and the distant blue mountains. It is about 3 km from José Martí Park in a straight line. You can usually go up to the roof if you order a drink, so ask as you come in. Sunset over the water is the finest time, and service can change with power cuts. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Cuba because of fuel, power and water shortages, so read the current advice before you plan.