Contemplating the imposing architecture
Hello, friends. Today I want to tell you about a place that was always in sight, although I had never noticed this beautiful place in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. It is the imposing Rubén Martínez Villena provincial library, which stands in the heart of the city, right in front of the charming Serafín Sánchez Park, to which I have come on multiple occasions.
The truth is that I had seen the beauty of this library from the outside on countless walks through the park. The facade is simply extraordinary, but I had never dared to enter. I confess that from the outside it is impressive, but nothing close to reality. I have visited almost all the museums in the province and none comes close to matching the imposing beauty of this place.
It turns out that this library was the former headquarters of the Sociedad el Progreso until 1959, which has witnessed countless stories and changes in the city. Since then it accumulated in its interior a large number of books; so it was easier to convert it into what it is today.
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My first stop was at the reception desk, located on the right as I entered. With a smile, I politely asked permission to take some pictures, since my intention was not to consult any book on this occasion. The initial response was a resounding no from the receptionist, but after a few minutes of persuasion and small talk; albeit a bit defensive on her part, I managed to convince her to let me explore, although she only allowed me on the second floor. A bit disappointing, I admit, although I had no choice but to take advantage of the half-chance she had given me.
I admit that I hesitated to share this experience with you, as I was not able to capture as many photos as I would have liked, plus, I took the photos quickly, a little afraid of being kicked out, but the beauty of this building deserves to be shared. Built in 1929, this building is the most emblematic architectural construction in the city. If it is striking from the outside, I assure you that inside it is ten times better.
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It was an immense pleasure to walk through this eclectic style palace, a great pity not to have been able to walk through it in its entirety. The stairs are built with Carrara marble, giving it a touch of elegance that transports you to another era. But what really blew me away was the dome, what an architectural marvel! I had never before contemplated anything so impressive. My impression was such, I can't find enough adjectives to describe it. It was not only because of its architecture; the impression was such that it was worth every second I spent trying to be let in.
Even though I was not able to visit every part of this library, what I saw left me wanting more. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Sancti Spíritus, don't hesitate to give the Rubén Martínez Villena library a try. There are architectural treasures waiting to be discovered, and this library is definitely one of them. And if you manage to sneak into the second floor, please share the images with everyone; thank you.
Reference:
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Original Spanish text: Translated and formatted with Hive Translator by @noakmilo.
Twitter @bluisdey
It is looks ancient! Beautiful!
First time I visit it, but it is a beautiful place.
It really is a majestic construction, it is a pity that political paranoia already here in Venezuela happens the same in some buildings, I tell them that it is for an architectural work when I want to photograph places like this and it has worked hehehehe.
Good thing that at least they have kept it
Good morning. That's right... it's easier if it's a foreigner who wants to take the photos here, but for Cubans it's difficult for us sometimes. This is the second time this has happened to me. It is really uncomfortable.
Hello. The place is beautiful, I don't understand why they didn't let you take photos, did they tell you the reason for the refusal? For the next one, don't ask permission hehe. Your photos are very beautiful
I loved the place, I had been there many times, but I had never been inside. It is beautiful inside. There were two women, although apparently only one was the receptionist and she was the one in charge. I guess they thought I was a freelance journalist or something? They told me I needed a permit, I guess from the government or the party. I told them no problem, that I just liked architecture and was an admirer of art; who could I get a permit from. After a while of conversation, I almost gave up and they told me only up the stairs, nothing on the second floor and they took my identity number.... I had to settle. You know how things are here. Even to take a few photos, we had to work
Pretty classic and monumental. I love the sculptures. It's pretty impressive to me how people made those detailed ornaments so long time ago
It is a very beautiful place and the sculptures are impressive.
Hi @luisdey, the library building is really beautiful and is kept in very good condition, the columns and dome are my favorite the decorative details are nice and give a great style to the building.
Happy weekend!
Thank you, I am glad you liked it.
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