On 28 October 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crew made landfall on the shores of Cuba, setting their eyes upon the island's lush landscapes for the first time.
Believing he had reached the outskirts of Asia, Columbus named the territory "Juana" in honour of Prince Juan of Spain.
The claim of Cuba marked a significant step in Spain’s expansive exploration ambitions in the New World, as the island would later become a pivotal base for the Spanish crown’s expeditions and conquests throughout the Americas.
The beauty of Cuba’s coastline and forests, described in Columbus's diaries, kindled a curiosity and fervour for further discovery that would shape the European encounter with the Americas.
