Nueva Gerona

Nueva Gerona is a city located on the Isle of Youth in Cuba

Exploring  Nueva Gerona City

Nueva Gerona Cuba is a city, capital of the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud. The city is located between the Sierras de Caballos and Casas, about 3 km from the mouth of the Las Casas River, which is navigable to the Caribbean Sea.

History

The city was founded in 1830 as a Queen Amalia colony by American pioneers. There is a U.S. cemetery in the city.

As part of the National Health System, there is the Héroes del Baire Municipal Hospital and two polyclinics. In it is the main fishing port of the municipality as well as the main economic-administrative pillars of the pine territory. The current name of Nueva Gerona Cuba was given in honor of Captain General Francisco Dionisio Vives, who led the resistance of the city of Gerona in the War of Independence against the French army, and who carried out the repopulation of the island ordered by Royal Decree of the Crown of Spain.

Places of Interest

  • Presidio Modelo
  • Museo Finca El Abra.
  • Playa Nueva Gerona Cuba
  • Presa El Abra
  • El Pinero
  • Museo Municipal
  • Nuestra Señora de los Dolores
  • Museo Casa Natal Jesús Montané

Nuestra Señora de los Dolores

On the northwest side of Parque Guerrillero Heroico, this dinky, Mexican colonial-style church was built in 1929, after the original was destroyed by a hurricane. In 1957 the parish priest, Guillermo Sardiñas, left Nueva Gerona in Cuba to join Fidel Castro in the Sierra Maestra, the only Cuban priest to do so.

Museo Casa Natal Jesús Montané

This museum documents the life of revolutionary Jesús Montané, who was born here, took part in the Moncada Barracks attack in 1953, fought alongside Fidel in the Sierra Maestra, and served in the post-1959 government. It’s a small but fascinating place and well worth 20 minutes of your time.

Presa El Abra

Where have all the folk from Nueva Gerona Cuba gone? Gone to cool off in Presa El Abra, every one. On a scalding La Isla afternoon, you’d best join them. With verdant shores (perfect for picnics), this wide presa (reservoir) has a shaded outdoor restaurant, plus various craft for aquatic shenanigans, including kayaks and aquatic bicycles.