Parque de la Libertad

Parque de la Libertad Review

The Parque de la Libertad, a leafy square bordered by Calles 79, 83, 290, and 288 contains a bronze of José Martí and a dramatic sculpture of a screaming, bare-breasted woman representing Cuba breaking free from her chains.

The Museo Farmaceútico Triolet, the main sight on the Parque de la Libertad, is a perfectly preserved 19th-century pharmacy. Established in 1882 by Ernesto Triolet and his son-in-law, Juan Fermín de Figueroa, the pharmacy finally closed in 1964. It specialized in medecina verde (natural medicine), and its porcelain jars, great cauldron, giant amphora for medicinal wine, prescription file, and pharmaceutical instruments are impressively displayed. Don't miss the bronze crocodile used to compress and calibrate the corks that, before the screw-top, sealed vials. Calle Milanés, esquina de Calle Santa Teresa, Matanzas, Matanzas Province. 45/24-3179. 3 cuc. Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-2.