The Torre Manaca-Iznaga (Manaca-Iznaga Tower) is a 45-meter-high bell tower and watchtower that rises above the Valle de los Ingenios, 14 km from Trinidad, in the Sancti Spíritus region of Cuba. It is a very unique elongated building that has received the nickname Cuban Tower of Pisa.
This historical engineering masterpiece was constructed during the first decades of the 19th century on the territory of a sugar estate. It is an example of the Trinitarian colonial power. Its bells rang out to mark the working day of the slaves and the called the parishioners to mass.
The Torre Manaca-Iznaga, slightly tilted by the passing of the years, is surrounded by several myths and legends concerning a cursed love disputed by the landowners. The Iznaga brothers allegedly tried to prove their devotion to a beautiful girl from the village by building this tower. Another story suggests that the monument was intended to enclose the eldest brother's wife.
Since 1978, the tower has had the honour of being Cuba's National Monument, and it remains a symbol of the watchfulness of the colonial landowners over the former peasants. From its summit, you can see the extensive and beautiful Valle de los Ingenios.
More information:
Location:
Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba.
Ticket price:
70 CUP.
Interactive map:
"Cuban Travel Agency" is part of the Visitar Cuba project, an organization of Cuban agencies whose objectives are:
If you are an agency or tour operator and you are looking for help to create trips to Cuba, trust our expert hands, we offer special prices.