A Cuban identified as Rolién García published a video on Instagram documenting the progress of the restoration project for "La Ruina" in Isabela de Sagua, the iconic building that for decades was the commercial heart of this coastal town in northern Villa Clara.
"I can only tell you that work is being done on cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning and maintenance is what is currently being carried out," García explained.
The young man took advantage of the low tide to walk closer to the building that is surrounded by the sea. Once there, he was able to show the progress from a better angle.
"The people who welcomed me to this place are detailing everything about that project, but I can't provide any information until a bit later," he said.
Behind the popular nickname "La Ruina" lies a remarkable architectural story
La Isabela de Sagua had an important port located on the central northern coast of Cuba. For decades, it was a key point in the country's maritime trade.
Since the 19th century, it had its own customs office, initially housed in a wooden building that was replaced in 1929 by a sturdy two-story neoclassical structure, built over the sea and designed to withstand the frequent cyclones in the area.
This new building, featuring an elegant facade with three arches and sober proportions, became one of the most imposing structures in the town and a symbol of the local economic boom.
At its peak, the port of Isabela de Sagua achieved remarkable figures, such as the export of over 2.3 million bags of sugar in 1948.
However, after 1959 and the decline of port trade in Cuba, the building fell into disuse. Although it withstood numerous hurricanes, it could not survive the prolonged abandonment imposed by the Cuban government.
Over the years, it had various uses, but it gradually deteriorated. Attempts at restoration, driven by neighbors seeking to turn it into a recreational space, did not succeed due to a lack of resources.
Today, the old customs house stands in a state of ruin, reflecting the general decline of the port, which once was one of the most important in the center of the country and the community, now virtually empty and abandoned.
La Isabela de Sagua was known as "the Venice of Cuba" for its wooden houses built on stilts over the water. The residents still remember the times of prosperity and trust that good fishing and trade will return.
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