Hi friends of Pinmapple
Have you ever visited a place that feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered? That's exactly how it feels when you first visit Independence Park. As you walk through the park, you'll be amazed by the rich history and culture that accompanies it.
A little history
Independence Park is located in the heart of Pinar del Río, a city known for its beautiful landscapes and tobacco production.
In 1750, the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) was built in this location, which was the epicenter of the town of Pinar del Río. In 1867, the Spanish Crown granted the city its official title, and in 1899 it was renamed Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square). The park was built in 1917, with its cement benches and gazebo. In 1948, it was destroyed to make way for a huge parking lot, and in 1959 it was rebuilt as a park with the gazebo that is present today.
Like all main squares in the rest of the country, the most important buildings of colonial power were built near it, for example in a range of 100 to 400 meter we can find places such as:
- Church (San Rosendo Cathedral),
- Lieutenant Governor's house,
- Justice Palace,
- barracks (today a school),
- theatre
- jail (today tobacco factory).
On January 4, 1899, the "Palma de la Libertad" was planted there in commemoration of the entry of separatist troops into the town.
During the time when it was a park and recreational area, concerts and performances were offered on Thursdays and Sundays, and during the time when the "All for Pinar del Río" Committee existed, the San Rosendo fair was held there.
Location
Independence Park is surrounded by houses built in the last two centuries.
In its southeast corner, there is the residence where the titular government advisor, Don Pedro Angelis, lived in 1844. This house has been a silent witness to colonial domestic architecture, surrounded by a wonderful porch, a distinctive feature of the city, bordered by a simple wooden and iron fence that limits it and a floor that extends like a carpet of reddish mud at the feet of the strong Tuscan columns. Today, it houses the Provincial Center for Visual Arts of Pinar del Río.
At the other end of the park, opening onto Martí Street, is the beautiful building of the Spanish Colony, inaugurated on July 25, 1909, then named "Society of Instruction and Recreation of the Spanish Colony," which now houses the Pinar del Río Palace of Computing.
Facing the south side of the park is an impressive colonial-style mansion where the Hermanos Loynaz Cultural Center is now located, which borders another colonial-style building, where the Conrado Benítez primary school is located.
On the opposite side, facing the north side of the park, we find other points of interest, such as the Provincial Government headquarters and some old buildings, and in one of them, right in front of the Palace of Computing, the Provincial Archive of History is now located.
My impressions
I was surprised by the profound sense of community and connection that permeated the park and the way it serves as the center of daily life for the people of Pinar del Río. As I walked through the park, I saw people resting and chatting on the wide benches, children playing, young people dancing in the center of the gazebo, which has incredible acoustic properties, and couples strolling hand in hand. It is evident that the park is a beloved gathering place for the community, where they can connect and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
In conclusion, my visit to Independence Park was a memorable experience. From the impressive architecture to the vibrant daily life, this park is a destination that should not be missed by anyone interested in exploring the wonders of Cuba. So if you find yourself in Pinar del Río, don't miss the opportunity to discover this hidden gem for yourself.
All photos were taken with my iPhone11 and edited in Photoshop. Historical data related to dates were obtained from public sources on the internet, such as Wikipedia and Ecured, and from plaques located on-site.
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