plaza del carmen

TinekevB

A bit away from the centre, but well worth a visit (we took a bicitaxi). A couple of art galleries and some lovely sculptures. Go have a "chat" with the groupf of gossiping ladies in bronze. They are beatifully crafted.

epjr

Every time we've visited Plaza del Carmen, I'm struck by what a pretty little plaza it is in a pretty little town, Camaguey. The buildings around the Plaza have been spruced up and look very nice. There are good restaurants to dine in, e.g. Restaurant 1800. And interesting little shops to poke around in, e.g. Galeria Martha Jimenez.

mariamS5173GJ

I really liked the architecture of the houses, the square, the restaurants. I did not like some people q hacechan tourists

elishevab2015

The statuary here is great, the galleries are wonderful and you have to visit Martha Jimenez. There is a really nice cafe here, cobblestone streets, and like everywhere in Camaguey, you can walk. BTW you will want to take photos with the statutes

Canadian_Guy1000

Supposedly not too many tourist visit this remarkable part of Camagüey — indeed, we were the only ones. The church, Iglesia de Nuestra Seniora del Carmen, is almost 200 years old and was restored several years ago. Adjacent is the building of the old convent, now housing offices of the City Historian, and a school. The church has two towers, which is something unique not only in Camagüey, but in eastern Cuba. There are rows of restored colonial houses in the plaza and at least two nice restaurants. There were various life-size bronze sculptures, made by Martha Jimenez, whose gallery and studio are located on the plaza. And look for an older fellow who was Martha Jimenez’s model for one of the sculpture (man sitting on the bench and reading a newspaper) — he will gladly sit on the bench next to his double and pose while you take photographs of him!

keesvk

Of course this is a must when visiting Camaguey. Just take a picture of the old guy who was modelling 12 years ago and still looks similar. Just pay him a CUC, he also has to make ends meet... Then join the group of gossiping women, you're free to tell them anything. And also visit some art galeries, really in this town you'll find the best art and craftswork of Cuba, very much worth considering a buy.

992michaelm

We enjoyed the life sculptures in the plaza. The church was interesting. There a couple famous art galleries there that should not be missed. We spent at least a couple hours visiting the square and the surrounding galleries.

tanad_11

This was a wonderful place to visit original and refreshing. An art critic over viewed her work. Her studio is open to viewing with many works for sale.

398ursulah

As part of a two-week Road Scholar People-to-People program, our group spent several days in Camaguey in January and visited the Martha Jimenez Gallery and studio. After a look around the quiet Plaza del Carmen with its beautiful church and freshly painted building facades and inspection of Martha Jimenez's life-sized bronze people, we were greeted by the gracious artist with a welcome drink and serenaded by a trio of musicians. A spokesperson explained Mrs. Jimenez' public works, which have been formally recognized with a UNESCO award, as well as the icons, which the artist employs in some of her graphic work and paintings, e.g., sewing machines, irons and coffee pots as emblems of women's traditional roles. The small interior courtyard was filled with whimsical sculptures and a large number of paintings, sculptures and ceramics were displayed in the gallery. Many in our group purchased items that were carefully packed for transport. This was followed by a delightful lunch at a paladar next door.

Alysb

Camaguey - City of Squares - UNESCO World Heritage SiteLovely plaza - Visit to the studio of Martha Jiminez - Lunch at government restaurant next door (lamb was delicious) - trip to farmers market via pedicab...then on to main town square.

mittyLaJolla

This square is dominated by life-size bronze statues of people sitting at benches. Around the square is an old church and an interesting gallery of lithography art works. We sure to wonder into the small streets that extend from the square to get what we thought was the best taste of life in a small Cuban city.

ATripperZ

I walked around the city of Camaguey by foot and really had no plan. I did eventually find this place with its old and beautiful churches and typical cuban living quarters. You can walk around the area and find Cuban locals going about their daily lives. I found it to be very quiet when I was there during the day. There is no hustle and bustle in this city compared to bigger Cuban cities.If you travel uphill north of here, you will find a beautiful square with bars and restaurants frequented by locals and foreigners alike and it gets pretty lively once the sun goes down. It reminds me of old Europe with its cobblestone ground and ample outdoor seating.

Tom-2009

This plaza was the closest to our Guest house, so it was the first place to visit.It is the most visited place in Camaguey. It features a fine church (Inglesia del Carmen) and the many large scale statues. The church has rather simple interior (see my photo).If you are lucky, the guys, who modeled for the bronze statues, will model for your photos. Small fee is expected of course.

Mary38677

We arrived after a ricksaw ride around the town ,what a way to get a first view !!!Loved the bronze sculptures ( one of the locals a who had been immortalised was posing by it )

FalmouthLucy

I love the Martha Jimenez statues here .In particular the statue regarding what a Cuban women should look for in a man .A candle for the future and the keys to security.Martha Jimenez gallery is lovely I really liked her ceramics