Santiago de Cuba: 499 Years of History and Sightseeing

Santiago de Cuba is some kind of city. The combination of multiple values and attractive elements allow visitors to get in touch with the idiosyncrasy of its people, the culture and history of that place; while they enjoy the exotic and amazing nature that characterizes the archipelago.

This city counts on pieces of syncretism that came out of the merge of cultures and customs from Spain, France, Africa and England, with significant migratory influence from the Caribbean.

Founded in 1515, it was one of the country’s primed villages and presently stands as one of the most picturesque cities. Its peculiar geographic conditions made it be considered the first capital city of Cuba until 1556, when San Cristóbal of Havana was declared as such.

Santiago is Cuba’s only Hero City, a title given because of the contribution of its people to the liberating heroic deeds. The most Caribbean province of the country borders with Holguin to the north, Granma to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the south and Guantánamo to the east. Santiago de Cuba, including the keys, covers an area of 2.382 square miles, so it’s one of the smallest provinces in the country, although it is the second one with the largest population, only surpassed by Havana.

Visitors can fly to its Antonio Maceo international airport, drive or be driven from any spot of the country or they can come to the city by sea.

There are two specific characteristics that make Santiago de Cuba be an unrivalled place: its hospitable, cheerful and uninhibited people, and rich historic-cultural heritage. Furthermore, its Caribbean identity can be felt through the popular music and folkloric expressions.

There are two sites declared World’s Heritage by UNESCO in Santiago de Cuba: San Pedro de la Roca Castle (El Morro) and the ruins of the first French coffee growing settlements in Gran Piedra.

Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, 26 de Julio Historic Museum and Granjita Siboney are flagship places in Cuba’s history. Granma Key and Baconao Park are some of the attractions in the region. Santiago also stands out as a tourism destination due to its beaches and both city and nature tourism.

There are many reasons that make people in Santiago be proud: it is the cradle of almost all musical genres in the country and the fabulous carnivals attract thousands of visitors every July with the unmistakable sound of the Chinese trumpet. The city hosts some of the most spectacular events in Cuba and the region, such as the Fire Party and Caribbean Festival.

The province has developed the necessary infrastructure to foster the MICE segment, and its amazing mountainous and sea environment attract visitors interested in nature and adventure tourism, trekking, nautical activities and health tourism.

Some of the must-see places are Pico Turquino, the Basilica of the Holy Charity of Cobre, Baconao Park, Dolphinarium, La Gran Piedra, Mausoleum to the Martyrs of the Third Front, Cuartel Moncada, Granjita Siboney, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, Emilio Bacardí Museum and Casa de la Trova.