Camagüey is a city in central Cuba, in the Caribbean. It is the capital of Camagüey Province and serves as an important industrial, commercial, and transportation center. The city was founded in 1515 and is currently the third largest city in the country. In July 2008, the historic center of Camagüey was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The symbol and emblem of Camagüey is the water jar (Tinajón), hence it is known as the “City of Tinajones” because Camagüeyans have traditionally used water jars to store rainwater. Legend has it that tourists who drink from the water jar in the city will stay in the city or at least visit it again in the future; boys who drink water from the water jar at a girl’s house will fall in love with that girl. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a true maze with narrow streets and labyrinthine alleys that often confuse visitors. The city is home to colonial-era buildings, narrow streets, ancient churches, a tropical botanical garden, and the fourth-largest university in Cuba, Camagüey University.

Camagüey

Reasons to visit: The third largest city in Cuba

Continent: North America

Country: Cuba

Province: Camagüey Province

City: Camagüey