Museo de la Ruta de los Esclavos, Matanzas
Visit the Museo Nacional de La Ruta de los Esclavos at the Castillo de San Severino in Matanzas, Cuba
Museo de la Ruta de los Esclavos
© Greta Gabaglio
The Museo Nacional de La Ruta de los Esclavos (The National Slave Route Museum), housed in the Castillo de San Severino (San Severino Castle) north of Matanzas, is one of the most important landmarks in Cuba's modern history. Located in the barrio de Versalles (Versailles neighbourhood), north of the Río Yumurí (Yumurí River), this sturdy 18th-century building was renovated as a museum in 2009 after abandoning its defensive functions.
Museo de la Ruta de los Esclavos
© Greta Gabaglio
Banishing the uncomfortable truth of the tradition of slavery that took place for centuries on the island of Cuba, the museum reveals the reality of these people who were forced to leave their homes to be subjected to inhumane treatment. The very stones that form the walls of the castle have witnessed this past and still remember the marks left on them by the slaves during the construction of the fortress.
The history of Matanzas, as well as that of the country, is deeply marked by the thousands of slaves who lived, worked and died there against their wishes. As a tribute to these people, the four rooms of the museum try to make their history known and recognize the importance they have had in the formation of present Cuba.
The exhibition consists of four parts that show the different faces of slavery: The Commander's House, archaeological exhibition, slavery exhibition and Orishas exhibition, who were emissaries of Olodumare, God of the Yoruba religion. In all of them, you can find objects and photographs that will help you imagine what this historical phenomenon was really like.
It should be noted that the National Slave Route Museum is the first museum that is entirely dedicated to remembering and honouring slaves. This acknowledges the fact that a large part of the island's population of slave descent is an essential component of Cuban identity.
More Information:
Location:
Zona industrial (Industrial Zone), Versalles.
Opening hours:
From Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Sunday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Ticket price:
2 CUC.
Telephone:
(+53) 45 283259.
Interactive map:
Varadero
What to see:
- Parque Josone
- Mansión Xanadú
- Delfinario de Varadero
- Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos
- Cueva de Ambrosio
- Cueva de los Musulmanes
- Iglesia de Santa Elvira
- Parque Central y Parque de las 8 000 taquillas
- Cayo Blanco
Beaches:
Museums :
Matanzas
What to see:
- Teatro Sauto
- Plaza de la Vigía
- Catedral de Matanzas
- Barrio de Versalles
- Castillo de San Severino
- Puente Calixto García
- Puente de la Concordia
- Estadio Palmar de Junco
- Parque de la Libertad
- Parque de Bomberos
- Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol
- Ermita de Monserrate
- Cuevas de Bellamar
- Cuevas de Saturno
- Río Canímar
- Bahía de Cochinos
- San Miguel de los Baños
Beaches:
Museums:
Península de Zapata
What to See:
- Boca de Guamá
- Laguna del Tesoro
- Criadero de Cocodrilos de Guamá
- Gran Parque Natural Montemar
- Cueva de los peces
- Bahía de Cochinos
Beaches:
Museums :
Other nearby destinations:
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