"The Splendor of Cuba: 450 Years of Architecture and Interiors," a Rewarding Peak at a Rich Culture
- December 05, 2011 16:06
Never-before-seen images of architectural gems and historic island interiors are revealed in Michael Connors' new book The Splendor of Cuba: 450 Years of Architecture and Interiors. This lavishly-illustrated tome is an unprecedented tour of stunning and architecturally significant Cuban palacios, mansions, and private homes that have been meticulously preserved, previously un-photographed, and inaccessible to visitors.
Built with sugar plantation wealth, the domestic architecture of Cuba's pre-Castro era encompasses the opulent world of the Spanish Creole aristocracy of the colonial period.
Breathtaking Mudejar craftsmanship and baroque palacios, sugarcane plantations (ingenios) and coffee plantations (cafetales), and classically inspired grand mansions have been preserved largely through neglect.
One highlight is Finca Vigia (“Lookout House”), the former residence of Ernest Hemingway.
The Splendor of Cuba: 450 Years of Architecture and Interiors; Written by Michael Connors, Photographed by Brent Winebrenner (Rizzoli, Oct. 2011; $90).
