The Museo Historico Municipal in Trinidad is housed in the beautiful neoclassical Palacio Cantero. Built in the early 1800s, the mansion has an air of grandeur throughout with Italian marble floors and large open rooms. The museum explores the history of Trinidad and the surrounding areas. On display are documents and maps, as well as exhibits on the World Heritage-listed Valle de los Ingenios, the industry of slave trading, and the wars of independence. After browsing the exhibits, visitors should ascend the steep spiral stairs of the tower for a panoramic view of the city and Caribbean Sea. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset.