Tuesday, 25 May 2010 03:57
Old Courtyard of Hotel Conde de Villanueva.
During colonial times, one of the most important positions a Cuban could hold on the island was that of “Intendente”, or governor.
A Havanan who carried out the role brilliantly was Claudio Martinez de Pinillos y Cevallos, second Count of Villanueva.
In 1825 he replaced Francisco de Arango y Parreño. His administration was wise, and his decisions contributed significantly to the growth of the Cuban economy.
Two facts to illustrate this: he increased tax revenue from two million pesos to thirty seven million, in 1837; and while the export of tobacco reached 70,000 bundles in 1829, in 1835 it grew to 616,000.
He was the main proponent of the rail system in Cuba, improved the school system, created the Botanical Gardens, and founded the Annals of Science, Literature and Trade, the anatomy amphitheater, the nautical school, the chemistry laboratory, as well as many other institutions. He also built the Fernando VII aqueduct to bring water to the capital.
Martinez de Pinillos was also a patron of the arts; he played a large role in constructing the Villanueva theater, built in 1846 by Miguel Nin y Pons, and it ended up becoming the most important public square in Havana, described by a historian as “… a grand theater, but simple, with an interior hall, large balconies, and an amphitheater.”
His dynamism and probity lead the Count of Villanueva to eventually be High Court judge, Minister of Charity, a private arbitrator, head of the State Lottery, and more. The Spanish crown made him a Knight of the order of San Fernando, Queen Isabel, Carlos III and Calatrava and Ronda.
In 1845 he was made Grandee, and in 1852, he was made Vicecount of Valvanera, He died in Madrid in 1853, and in his memory the following was published: "He is no longer with us, but we now see glorious monuments to his wisdom, which speak of him to civilized nations and will speak of him to the world.”
To this day, we Havanans appreciate the contributions made by this great leader to our wonderful city.
He lived in the house at 202 Calle Mercaderes, on the corner of Lamparilla, the current site of the Hotel del Habano, Conde de Villanueva.
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