Travelstone: Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba Cuba

It is the main city of the province of the same name. It is one of the seven settlements founded by Diego Velázquez in the early days of the Spanish conquest and colonisation of the island of Cuba. From 1515 until the mid-16th century it was the capital. The historic city centre was declared a National Monument on 10 October 1978. It is often described as “the most Caribbean city in Cuba”. The main places to see in Santiago de Cuba are: - Castle of San Pedro de la Roca: declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it is the most complete and best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture, largely based on Italian and Renaissance design. - Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre: proclaimed Patroness of Cuba in 1916 and crowned by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Cuba in 1998. The appearance of Our Lady of Charity is one of the city’s best-known legends. The current sanctuary, where Mass is celebrated every morning, dates from 1927 and has a silver altar and other highly valuable ornamental objects. Beneath the image of the Virgin is the Chapel of Miracles, a small space where believers leave offerings of all kinds. - The Big Rock (La Gran Piedra): a natural treasure of eastern Cuba. It is a huge rock situated almost 1,000 metres above sea level, a striking witness to Palaeogene volcanism.

Recommended airport

Antonio Maceo Intl (SCU)

Nearby destinations

El Cobre a 12.53 km

Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Santiago de Cuba Cuba