| Made up of three valleys, San Luis, Santa Rosa and Meyer, the valley
of Los Ingenios
gets its name from the 50 or so ingenios, sugar plantations, that were
placed there in the 19th century.
More than 12,000 African slaves worked there at the height of the sugar
industry.
Stretched out over 25 miles between Trinidad and Sancti Spiritus, the
valley offers views of a gorgeous countryside, dotted here and there with
old haciendas, castels and slaves' houses.
In the center of the valley , la Torre Manacas-Iznaga is the symbol of
the former glory of one of the most powerful families in the sugar aristocracy.
The tower made of stone, wood and iron is nearly 50 meters tall and has
seven levels. The sheer height of the tower probably made it easier to
keep a watchful eye on the slaves working in the sugar fields.
Before, there was a bell on top of the tower, which now lays at its base,
which provided the rhythm for all the labor going on in the heart of the
valley. If you would like to climb to the top of the tower, it will cost
you a dollar, but the view from the top is well worth the walk up the
wooden stairs to the top.
At the base of the tower, there is an old hacienda where craftspeople
sell beautiful handmade table cloths and clothes. Don't be afraid to bargain
if you see something you like. |
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