Parque Cespedes
Santiago de Cuba
Diego Valazquez was the first governor of Cuba. He was a cruel despot by all accounts, but his home, built in 1515 still stands as the oldest colonial-era house on the island.
The home is of the Mudéjar style (or Hispanic-Moorish). This style is characterized by its balconies, carved ceilings and the intricate geometric patterns found in the tile, metalwork and even the furniture.
The one outstanding characteristic of the Velazquez house are its celosos. They greet you at the front door, covering the second floor balcony, and then are found throughout the house screening the walkways from the hot Cuban sun.
The boat shape of the ceilings throughout the original house suggest that ship builders may have been involved in the building of this home. The very intricate patterns of the ceiling timbers are derived from Arab architecture. This joining of wood in intricate patterns hides the joining of short timbers. This was only possible during the colonial period when wood was still abundant.
It is said that the lower floor contained the Crown’s Forge and Contract Office, while Diego Velazquez used the upper floor as his residence. Experts argue that in its backyard, which in the past led directly to the sea, there was a small fortress.
Two letters by Don Diego to his Majesty Philip II as early as August 1519 mention that gold was being forged there.
The home went under a complete restoration between 1965 and 1970. The restoration was overseen by professor Francisco Prat Piug. The house then opened as the Museum of Cuban Historic Ambience.
The complex includes a 19th century residence, said to be the home of a chandelier maker. A patio was added between the two homes at some time, but is not original to the 1700 structure.