Overview:

is an outdoor mural in Viñales Valley, Cuba. It was designed in 1961 by the iconic Cuban artist, Leovigildo González Fernández, and includes representations of animals that coexisted in the area in the distant past. The mural covers an area of more than 2,000 square meters, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mural is known for its vivid colors and lifelike depictions, making it a popular tourist attraction in Cuba. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

, the Mural de la Prehistoria is one of the most iconic and popular tourist attractions of the beautiful town of Viñales. The mural is a 100-meter-long representation of the evolution of life on Earth, stretching from the end of the Cretaceous period (the end of the dinosaurs) up to the present day. This magnificent piece of art is painted onto a limestone cliff, located in a beautiful valley of the same name, which is considered by many to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mural is divided into three parts. The first part depicts the fish, amphibians, reptiles and other creatures that lived during the Cretaceous period. The second part illustrates land mammals such as rhinos, elephants and panthers. The third and final part portrays humans in different behaviors and activities, including fishing, hunting and working in the fields. There’s also an image of a hand holding a smoking pipe, which is believed to be a metaphor for the influence of man in nature. The Mural de la Prehistoria was created in 1961by a group of artists directed by Leovigildo Gonzalez Morillo and it’s considered to be one of the world’s greatest works of mural art. Every year, thousands of people from around the world come to visit the Mural, attracted by its beauty, history and culture. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

In 1959, Cuban artist Leovigildo González Morillo was commissioned to paint a mural depicting the history of Viñales, a small town in the province of Pinar del Río. The mural, entitled Mural de la Prehistoria, was completed in 1960 and is now a cultural heritage site in Cuba. The mural covers both the geological formation of the nation and its ancient pre-Columbian history. The painting is forty meters long and provides an insight into the geological, natural, and cultural history of the area. The mural begins with a silhouette of the area's geological structure, focusing particularly on the so-called "Valle de Viñales" in the province of Pinar del Río. Moving to the right, the scene depicts the indigenous Tainos living in the valley around the year 1492, the Spanish invasion, and the subsequent colonization of the area. The work also makes mention of the Battle of Las Villas, a key event in the Cuban War of Independence. In the panels to the right, the mural portrays contemporary times, including representations of Cuban revolutionaries and local agrarian scenes. The scene also celebrates the local event "El Son de los Hoyos", a traditional Punchinelles practice emphasizing the varied cultural influences in Cuba. Throughout the mural, González has endeavored to give an immersive experience. The painting is filled with vibrant colors and textures, including the design of a wood-like display on the front of the mural, featuring many of the fruits and plants native to the area. The village's imagery is also complemented by a soundtrack of local folk music. Mural de la Prehistoria is considered to be one of the best examples of Cuban mural painting. It serves as a reminder of the vibrant history of Viñales, and of the intertwined influences of the many cultures that have called Cuba home. For a quick overview, the history of the Viñales Mural de la Prehistoria in Cuba began in 1959, when Cuban artist Leovigildo González Morillo was commissioned to paint the mural. Completed in 1960, the forty-meter-long mural depicts the geological formation, indigenous history, and contemporary life of the Pinar del Río region and contains vibrant colors and textures. Mural de la Prehistoria is now considered to be one of the best demonstrations of Cuban mural painting and is a reminder of the diverse cultural influences in the area. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Viñales Mural de la Prehistoria is often referred to as “the Sistine Chapel of the Caribbean” due to its iconic religious iconography and grand scale. 2. The mural was painted over a period of 11 days by over 50 local Cuban artists, including an 8-year-old girl, in November 1963. 3. The mural is located in the Sierra de Los Órganos mountains in the Viñales Valley of Cuba and measures an impressive 128 feet by 50 feet (40 by 15 meters). 4. The mural was commissioned by the Cuban government, which sought to commemorate the first anniversary of Fidel Castro’s revolution and promote the celebration of Cuban history and culture. 5. The mural features vivid colors and traditional imagery from Cuban history, including the Taino Indian God Yucahú, pirates, and revolutionary heroes. 6. The mural remains a popular tourist destination to this day, as hundreds of visitors flock to take in the stunning mural each year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.