Santiago De Cuba
Cuba’s second city, Santiago is home to many citizens of French and African descent and is well known for its love of music and dance, culminating in the annual carnival in July. Founded in 1515, it was Cuba's first capital and has played a major role in the island's struggles for independence over the years. Surrounded by mountain ranges and stunning Caribbean beaches, it is ideal for those wishing to combine a relaxing stay with a thorough exploration of the city and national parks.
Places to Visit
Moncada Barracks
On 26 July 1953 Fidel Castro and around 100 followers launched an attack on the Moncada garrison, the second largest in Cuba. After a short battle they were forced to retreat and most were caught, some of whom were executed with the rest being imprisoned on what is now the Isle of Youth, Fidel Castro amongst them. Although the attack failed, it heightened awareness of the rebel movement which eventually re-grouped to defeat the dictator Fulgencio Batista. Today the building functions as a school but part of it contains a museum devoted to the guerrilla fighting of the 1950s and the battle itself.
House of Diego Velazquez
This former residence of the governor of Santiago, the conquistador Diego Velazquez, was completed in 1530 and contains a wonderful collection of old colonial furniture housed amongst glorious surroundings, a result of the restoration of 1965.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Ascension
First established in 1555, the cathedral has been rebuilt many times due to pirate raids and earthquakes. It boasts a glorious interior with ornately decorated choir stalls and central dome. The last additions were made in the 1920s with the addition of the marble angel over the entance and statues of Columbus and Bartolome de las Casas in the wall niches. The cathedral also contains a small museum containing frescoes and ecclesiastical artefacts.
Bacardi Museum
Established in 1828, this museum boasts a huge selection of artefacts from the times of the Spanish conquest to the Wars of Independence. The collection was organised by Emilio Bacardi, founder of the famous rum brand but also a patriot and former mayor of Santiago.
Cemetery of Santa Ifigenia
This cemetery, containing many neo-classical and modernist tombs, is the resting place of several famous figures spanning the last two centuries, including the mausoleum of Jose Marti, lawyer, poet, revolutionary and Cuba’s most revered patriot. A fervent campaigner for independence, he spent much of his life in exile and died in battle at the age of 42. Other noteworthy tombs are those of abolitionist and revolutionary Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, Emilio Bacardi and 20th-century revolutionaries such as Frank Pais, who was killed in 1957.
Revolution Square
This large square forms part of the more modern part of the city to the north east and is remarkable for its size and stunning monument of General Maceo, hero of the wars of independence against Spain.
Castillo del Morro
This imposing castle, built to fortify the city against marauding pirates in the 17th century, stands at the entrance to the bay of Santiago giving unparalleled views over the Caribbean. It has been recently restored but still maintains its historic atmosphere which you can savour as you pass over the drawbridge into the passageways and underground chapel, which still contains the original pews and wooden crucifix. The castle also contains a fascinating museum dedicated to piracy, which was a constant scourge throughout the early years of the settlement.
Guantanamo
There is little of note in the town itself, but most visitors stop at the view point of Los Malones to observe the American naval base, which covers 43 square miles and contains 7,000 servicemen and their families. The land was originally part of a 99-year lease under the terms of the Platt Amendment signed in 1903 between the Cubans and the Americans, but this was later repealed in 1934 in favour of an indefinite lease which can only be terminated with the agreement of both parties. It resembles a small town with five swimming pools, cinemas, a golf course and a McDonalds, the only one on Cuban soil!
Places to Eat
El Morro
Situated next to the castle and affording fabulous views over the bay, this is a particularly good choice at sunset.
La Taberna de Dolores
Housed in an old property in Plaza de Dolores, good Cuban food is offered cooked traditional style.
Santiago 1900
Notable for its location, the former residence of the Bacardi family, the restaurant has high standards due to its management by the local cookery school. Cuban and international food on offer.
Nightlife
Casa de la Trova
Situated in the bustling Calle Heredia, this atmospheric haunt is the home of the best local musicians, unequalled practitioners of trova, bolero and son, typical Cuban styles with haunting lyrics and melodies. For a nominal entrance fee pop inside and soak up the atmosphere!
