Castillo de Jagua

OVERVIEW

The Castillo de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Jagua was completed in 1742 under Philip V of Spain to guard the narrow entrance to Cienfuegos Bay against pirates using the bay for water and shelter. It is a compact limestone fortress with a moat, drawbridge, watchtower, chapel and well, and stands today as a museum and one of the best-preserved colonial fortifications on the island.

HISTORY

Its first commander was Juan Castillo Cabeza de Vaca; his wife, Leonor de Cárdenas, is recorded in the tradition as having been buried in the fortress chapel. The fort predates the city of Cienfuegos itself, which was founded in 1819.

REPORTED ACTIVITY

The Dama Azul — the Lady in Blue — is a Cuban legend recorded in the 19th century and still told in Cienfuegos. In the fort's early years, the tradition says, a tall veiled woman in blue brocade appeared on the walls at night before the drowsing sentries and vanished. A newly arrived ensign who scoffed at the story took the night watch alone and was found at dawn unconscious beside a skull, a blue mantle and a sword broken in two. Locals still say she walks the walls. This is folklore, documented as such by Cuban historians and press; there is no contemporary record of the events it describes.

VISITING

Reached by ferry from Cienfuegos or by road around the bay. Open as a museum; check hours locally.