CubaPLUS Magazine

In areas of the populous urban enclave of Cotorro in the capital, one can find, like a relic, Santa María del Rosario, formerly Ciudad Condal de Cuba, famous for its timeless cultural traditions and for its beautiful Major Parochial , famous throughout the nation.

It is one of the few Count Cities -founded by counts- of Cuba. That privilege was granted to José Bayona Chacón Fernández de Córdoba y Castellón, First Count of Casa Bayona, who founded the small city on April 14, 1732.

Like any town that was respected from the beginning, it had a mayor, appointed by the count, as well as residents chosen from among genuine Spaniards. And of course, City Hall, Arms Square, Parish Church, Barracks and the residence of the regent counts. It grew gradually over the years, radiating popular neighborhoods and important industries.

But not a few agree that the greatest pride of the locals is the Parroquial Mayor, still splendid today despite the fact that it was completed in 1766 and baptized by Bishop Don Juan José Díaz de Espada on February 12, 1812 as the "Cathedral of the Fields of Cuba".

Such has been its fame and utility to the public service that  in 1946  it was declared a National Monument. The most outstanding thing is the main altar, an exquisite craft and artistic piece, considered perhaps the most beautiful and ornate of its kind in Cuba. With 10 meters wide by 15 high, it is imposing due to its majesty, rising from a presbytery, initially made of marble.

The cruise ship is lavished with 11 altars, nine of which are in the laborious Churrigueresque style, carved in cedar and with 22-carat gold sheets.

Among the traditional festivities that have arisen since its foundation are the Flower Festivals, which generally take place annually in May, in honor of the town's patron saint. Santa María del Rosario has a spa, blessed by mineral-medicinal waters and mud. They are chlorinated, bicarbonated, sulfhydric and/or sulfurized waters.

These characteristics are what give the guidelines for the cure or relief of different ailments, according to scientific studies and oral tradition. Medicinal mineral muds report relief or cure osteomuscular diseases and, due to their beneficial effects on the skin, they have been converted into components of beauty treatments.