Sancti Spiritus Destination Guide

Sancti Spiritus, meaning ‘holy spirit’ in Latin, is a city 220 miles east of Havana, which has a vibrant history that attracts many visitors each year. The colonial village and natural beauty are perfect for exploring on your holiday in Cuba. If authentic Cuban hospitality, cobbled streets and monument landmarks are your thing, Sancti Spiritus is the ideal addition to your itinerary.

Things to do in Sancti Spiritus

Often overlooked by neighbouring city Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus is a less touristy and calmer destination to explore. The perfect place for sitting back and relaxing with delicious Cuban cuisine and a drink whilst listening to boleros, without the distraction of touts.

Visit the Puente Yayabo, one one of Cuba’s most famous bridges

Built between 1817 and 1831, the Puente Yayabo has been declared a designated national monument since 1995. Made of brick with five low arches, it is a 19th-century take on a European Romanesque stone bridge. The water has a beautiful and peaceful mirror-like reflection. Head to the terrace of the Taberna Yayabo for a drink with perfect views of the bridge for a photo op.

Cobblestone charm at Calle Llano

Visit the most charming street in the city, Calle Llano. The cobblestoned streets and pastel tiled roofs are picture-perfect. This is one of the last surviving cobblestone alleys in the city. The street leads down to the Puente Yayabo bridge.

Explore Plaza Serafin Sanchez

Parque Serafin Sanchez is located in the centre of the city, a stunning park where you can escape for a little bit of peace. Surrounding the park are plenty of attractions to explore. Listen to music at Casa de la Cultura, or bibliophiles can pop into the Biblioteca Provincial Ruben Martinez Villena to explore the impressive building and shelves of literature. The museum Museo Provincial is next to the library, and the rest of the square is surrounded by restaurants and stores to explore.

Visit the oldest church in Cuba, Iglesia parroquial Mayor Del del Espíritu Santo

Standing tall in the city, you can see the church from almost anywhere in Sancti Spiritus. Originally the church was built from wood, but in 1680 it was moved and re-built in lime and pebble. The Romanesque and Baroque architecture draws in tourists from all over and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. There are 103 stairs to reach the top of this 40-metre high church. The chapel inside is said to have been attacked by pirates in the 17th century. Legend has it that the main entrance is known as the ‘forgiveness gate,’ after a woman known for being grumpy asked to be buried there in order to obtain forgiveness from God.

Visit a museum

The Serafin Sanchez Birthplace museum is a popular building thanks to its blue and white exterior and colonial design from 1825 to 1830. Inside you’ll discover artefacts from the seven display rooms of family belongings and items, as well as items from the patriots of the War of independence.

The Colonial Art Museum is a restored 17th-century palace owned by the Valle Iznaga family. Due to restorations, it has more 19th-century features. It is known locally as the House of a Hundred Doors due to its many apertures. You’ll find displays of ceramics, marble, furniture and paintings from the colonial period.

Visit a 13-metre canoe

Visit the Fundación de la Naturaleza y el Hombre which is the nature and mankind foundation. The Canoe Museum is a small exhibit which showcases the impressive canoe that travelled from Ecuador to the Bahamas in 1987 through 10 nations. The foundation is trying to help people understand environmental issues and be more conscious of nature.

Dance at Casa de la Trova 

First opening doors in 1974, this spot is the perfect place for kicking back with a drink and soaking up some Cuban culture with some music and dancing. There is also a museum to explore the collection of national and local recordings as well as artefacts.

Explore the calm waters of Alturas de Banao

Just outside of the city of Sancti Spiritus is a natural reserve where you can relax and chill by the calming waters amongst streams, valleys and mountains. An absolutely tranquil and serene space to find some peace and explore the unique birds like the tocororo and the Santamaria snake.

One of the smallest cities in Cuba but with so much beauty and history to unravel on your trip. For a real taste of Cuba, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.

Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com