Torbeck brings together two very different cave profiles and Haitian heritage. The commune is home to the Kounoubwa and Soulas caves and the Citadelle des Platons; the town has the Saint Joseph parish. Kounoubwa is characterized by a deep shaft and narrow underground passages, while Soulas has several chambers and delicate calcite formations. The Citadelle represents Haiti’s fortification history and offers views of named plains; Saint Joseph adds a parish history with a specific date and a celebration held in 2023.
Caves in the Commune
Kounoubwa begins with a 40-meter-deep shaft; at Soulas, an 18-meter-deep entrance shaft leads to several chambers. The described entrances are therefore different from the outset. In the lower part of Kounoubwa are small galleries and muddy narrow passages, allowing for extensive exploration underground.
A 2020 tourism guide from Haiti’s Ministry describes Kounoubwa as a cave explored using ropes. It specifies a 45-meter-long rope for the descent to the bottom. According to the description, access is from Camp-Perrin via the South Ravine. Joel Constant is named as the landowner and cave guide who opens the access gate. Since this access information dates from 2020, check locally before planning whether access is currently possible.
At Soulas, a collapsed chamber is partly covered with guano; ficus roots reach down to the bottom of the shaft. Two chambers contain delicate, very fragile calcite formations that should be viewed from a distance. The underground features therefore differ: Kounoubwa is described as having galleries and narrow passages, while Soulas has several chambers and formations that are especially worthy of protection.
Citadelle des Platons: Construction History and Views
The Citadelle des Platons is located in the Platons highlands, before Macaya, in the commune of Torbeck. It is a remnant of the fortifications built by Haitians in the early 19th century to safeguard the freedom won in 1804. The Citadelle itself was built in 1804 by General Nicolas Geffrard, following the plans of fortification engineer Morancy. The structure thus brings together a specific construction year, the names of the general and engineer, and the history of independence.
At an elevation of about 600 meters, the Citadelle overlooks the plain of Les Cayes and the plain of Les Orangers between Saint Louis and Cavaillon. In addition to its fortification history, this landscape setting provides clear orientation through two named plains. The elevation is approximate: about 600 meters.
Saint Joseph and the Town Festival
The Saint Joseph parish in Torbeck was founded in 1719; its feast day is March 19. During the celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph on March 19, 2023, an artistic parade passed through the streets of Torbeck. Rue Saint Joseph was the center of the festivities. These are distinct references to different times: 1719 marks the parish’s founding, March 19 is its feast day, and the parade was part of a celebration in 2023.
For travelers interested in local religious history, this offers both a long historical perspective and a specific glimpse into how the feast was celebrated that year. The parish’s history and the street celebration are two different ways of experiencing Torbeck’s cultural life: one through a lasting institution, the other through a single, dated event.
Geographical Setting
The wider commune also helps with geographical orientation: the commune of Torbeck is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south. This southern boundary complements the Citadelle’s elevation as another geographical reference point for the commune.
Discover more destinations: Cacor, Port-Salut, Les Cayes.
For the broader travel overview: South Department.
