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1. Cementerio Santa Ifigenia
Northwest of the city center, this sprawling cemetery, dating to 1868, is a small city of the dead, populated by elaborate marble tombs and sarcophagi,...
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- Picnics, Parks & Gardens
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2. Cuartel de Moncada (Museo Histórico 26 de Julio)
The yellow barracks of the Spanish army, east of downtown, represent a pivotal episode in modern Cuban history. The ocher-colored exterior is still...
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- Museums
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3. Museo Emilio Bacardí Moreau
Begun by Emilio Bacardí, the founder of the political and rum dynasty in 1899, this highly personal collection constituted one of the first museums...
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- Museums
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4. Castillo El Morro
Guarding the entrance to the Bahía de Santiago, this seemingly impregnable fortress is built atop a rocky promontory and entered across a formidable...
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- Type:
- Landmarks
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5. Casa Velázquez (Museo de Ambiente Colonial Cubano)
The mansion (ca. 1516) that once belonged to Diego Velázquez, founder of the original seven villas in Cuba, still stands despite the unrepentant...
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- Museums
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6. Santuario El Cobre
- Many are they who come to Santiago to climb the hill of this sanctuary dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cuba. Some come to keep a promise, others... read more
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- Attractions
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7. Casa de Don Diego Velázquez
- The wooden panels of mahogany that cover the balconies and the stone walls reveal the age of this old town house. Although it has been restored,... read more
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- Type:
- Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings
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8. Castillo del Morro
- This is an old garrison that still appears to be guarding the entrance to the bay, even though the English pirates have long since sailed off into... read more
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- Type:
- Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings
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9. Cuartel Moncada (Ciudad Escolar 26 de Julio)
- On July 26, 1953, this military barracks was the scene of a famous revolutionary episode against the tyrannical Batista regime. Despite the failure... read more
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- Attractions
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10. Museo Municipal Emilio Bacardí Moreau
- This was one of Cuba's very first museums, set up by Emilio Bacardí, and built by architect Carlos Segrera. Housed within the museum is a valuable... read more
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- Museums
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The Best of NileGuide
- Things to do in Santiago de Cuba are definitely geared towards the history buff. The Spanish colonials built churches and forts and the French brought their love of theater to the city. The African's brought their own unique brand of religion, art, and foods to create the melting pot that is current Cuban culture. Get out there and get going cause history waits for no one!
