Barrio de Versalles, Matanzas

Walkthrough the streets of the Barrio de Versailles in Matanzas, the origin of one of the cultural signs of Cuba, the rumba

Barrio de Versalles, Matanzas
© Matancero

The Barrio de Versailles (Versailles Neighborhood) in Matanzas is one of the most beautiful and joyful parts of the city. It is the home of one of the most important cultural aspects of Cuba, the “rumba”. Located north of the Río Yumurí (Yumuri"River), you only have to cross the beautiful puente de la Concordia (Concordia Bridge) to access and discover the charm of the neighbourhood.

Puente de Versalles
© Matancero

Known as barrio de Versalles in honour of the Parisian neighbourhood due to the number of French families that settled in the area in the 19th century after the Revolution in Haiti. The area has prospered enormously since it appeared as such in 1827, both economically and culturally. The French community of Versailles invested in various enterprises, especially in sugar cane and coffee, and they promoted the city as a cultural centre.

Castillo de San Severino, Matanzas
© Roberto Garioca Martinez

Since then, it has been an area that is known for its relaxed atmosphere, where you can enjoy the well-known Cuban humour of the locals and the festive atmosphere. It was here, during the first years after the creation of the neighbourhood, that the oldest form of rumba was born, the “rumba yambú”, a style without which Cuba would not be Cuba. The slaves brought from Africa to the city of Matanzas, in their attempt to recreate the traditions of their homeland, were the creators of this musical style that quickly spread throughout the island and became an identifying feature of Cuban culture.

In this neighbourhood, you can find some of the most beautiful and representative buildings of the city of Matanzas, such as the Ermita de Monserrate (Shrine of Monserrate), where you will get a magnificent view of the valle de Yumurí (Yumurí Valley), or the Castillo de San Severino (San Severino Castle) to the north, where apart from visiting the fortress and the museum inside, you can also enjoy the views of the bay of Matanzas.

More Information:

Location:

To the north of río Yumurí crossing el Puente de la Concordia.

Interactive map:

Varadero

What to see:

Beaches:

Museums :

Museo Municipal de Varadero

Cardenas

What to See:

Catedral de la Purísima Concepción de Cárdenas

Museums:

Península de Zapata

What to See:

Beaches:

Museums :

Other nearby destinations:

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