Pinar del Río

Pinar del Río on the map of Cuba

Pinar del Río is the capital of the eponymous province in the western part of Cuba located about 150 kilometers from the capital, Havana. It has 188 614 inhabitants (2012 ) and is situated by the river Guamá ( on the map is drawn as a flow, but since the deforestation he has become a barely flowing sewer. ) At an altitude of 60 meters above the sea level. Pinar del Río is the "Tobacco Capital" of Cuba. About 80 percent of the total production of the country comes from this area. Furthermore, the electronics combine Ernesto Che Guevara produces exportable solar modules here.

History

The town was founded in 1669 as " Nueva Filipina ". Because of the surrounding pine forests and the nearby river Río Guamá the name was later changed to " Pinar del Rio " ( " pine grove by the river "). Previously lived in this region from the tribe of Native Guanahatabeyes, however, were eradicated. The city grew fast because of the Cuban tobacco was very popular. Nevertheless, Pinar del Río was shortly after the revolution, the poorest region of Cuba. In the meantime, however, has changed, not least because of the relatively good infrastructure: after the revolution was Pinar del Río in the Cuban Westostautobahn ( " autopista " ) is connected, there is also a train connection and an airport. Today, Pinar del Río is considered the most prosperous region of Cuba.

In 1896 the city of General Antonio Maceo was occupied. This was one of the reasons for U.S. involvement in the War of Independence, as this would prevent an independent Cuba. During the Cuban missile crisis, the region around Pinar del Río again played a role, since most of the Soviet missiles were stationed.

Famous people

  • Yarelis Barrios - track and field athlete
  • Pedro Pablo Oliva - ( b. 1949 ) Painter
  • Carlos Pintado - Poet and Journalist
  • Abel Prieto - politician and writer
  • Yarisley Silva - track and field athlete
  • Lisandra Ordaz Teresa Valdés - chess player
  • Cirilio Villaverde - (* 1812 in San Diego de Nuñez, Pinar del Río Province) writer, wrote among other things, Cecilia Valdés

Attractions

  • Palacio Guasch
  • Teatro Jose Jacinto Milanes
  • Fábrica de Tabaco
  • Botanical garden
History of Cuba Antonio Maceo Grajales Yarelys Barrios Guane La Palma, Cuba Los Palacios Sandino, Cuba
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