{"id":1902,"date":"2023-02-17T04:31:10","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T04:31:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lovecuba.com\/?p=1902"},"modified":"2023-04-27T04:51:21","modified_gmt":"2023-04-27T04:51:21","slug":"5-reasons-why-santiago-de-cuba-is-a-must-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/5-reasons-why-santiago-de-cuba-is-a-must-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"5 reasons why Santiago De Cuba is a must visit"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<span style=\"color: #000000;\">[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Santiago De Cuba is often overlooked by travellers of Cuba, with tourists flocking to explore the capital of Havana instead. While Havana is absolutely worth the visit, Cuba\u2019s second-largest city (and former capital) deserves a share of the spotlight for its spectacular history and culture.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve rounded up a few of the reasons why Santiago De Cuba should be on your must visit list:<\/p>\n<h4><strong>1. Its rich history<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1903 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture17.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1189\" height=\"793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture17.jpg 1189w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture17-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture17-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture17-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1189px) 100vw, 1189px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Did you know that Santiago De Cuba plays a huge role in Cuban history? It\u2019s the place where Fidel Castro launched his rebel movement which later became the Cuban Revolution, where almost every traditional Cuban music genre was birthed (more on this later), where Jos<em>\u00e9<\/em> Marty was buried, and where Don Facundo Bacard<em>\u00ed<\/em> invented and developed his now world-famous rum brand? That\u2019s a whole lot of history for one city.<\/p>\n<p>Founded in 1514 by Diego Vel<em>\u00e1<\/em>zquez de Cuellar (the first governor of Cuba) Santiago De Cuba features significant spaces that have witnessed important historical events since the times of the Spanish colonisation, which are reflected in preserved landmarks, architecture, art, and more. Located next to the popular Cespedes Park is the Museum of the Historical Cuban Atmosphere, where history buffs can learn about the city\u2019s past.<\/p>\n<p>The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca Castle, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is a notable 17<sup>th<\/sup>-century landmark worth visiting while you\u2019re here. Also known as Castle of Morro, this fascinating fortress boasts ornate architecture by famous Giovanni Battista Antonelli, a museum with five exhibition halls inside the main building, and magnificent views over the Bay of Santiago.<\/p>\n<p>Travel back to The Cuban Revolution when you visit the Plaza de la Revolution Square or the Frank and Josu<em>\u00e9<\/em> House Museum, where facts and exhibitions surrounding this period can be learned. Or, if you\u2019re interested in the religion side of things, there are plenty of beautiful churches and temples to admire across the city, including the Nuestra Se<strong>\u00f1<\/strong>ora de la Asunci<strong>\u00f3<\/strong>n Cathedral and the Iglesia de San Francisco Church.<\/p>\n<p>A wander through the historical centre (casco historico) highlights the essence of this Caribbean city. Its cobbled streets are bursting with life, music, dancing, architecture, and stories of times gone by.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>2. The music<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1904 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture18.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1186\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture18.jpg 1186w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture18-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture18-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture18-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture18-750x422.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture18-1140x641.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1186px) 100vw, 1186px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This atmospheric city certainly brings the noise. Crowned as one of the most Caribbean influenced parts of Cuba, its African roots encourage laid-back vibes, music, rhythm, and a spirituality that shines through and captures the heart and souls of residents and visitors alike. Pretty much every single traditional Cuban music genre was born in Santiago De Cuba, from salsa to son, plus a unique colonial-era style of drumming (which arose from Afro-Haitian culture) called Tumba Francesca \u2013 which has UNESCO heritage status and is performed only by a small number of groups.<\/p>\n<p>Ramble the colourful streets at your leisure and you\u2019ll hear music pulsating from open windows and musicians cheerfully playing on street corners, encouraging passers-by to bust a move to the hypnotic beats &#8211; or even get involved in the action! Play an instrument? You\u2019ll soon learn that it\u2019s totally normal to jump in with the musicians and play along \u2013 so feel free to fully immerse yourself.<\/p>\n<p>Live music venues are also a fantastic way to soak up the Caribbean atmosphere and enjoy traditional Cuban music and dancing. Casa de la Trova and Casa de las Tradiciones are among the top places to head to for local band performances and late-night dancing with a backdrop of the historical centre.<\/p>\n<p>A perfect example of the region\u2019s music scene can be experienced at the famous Santiago De Cuba festival, a national holiday held every July 26<sup>th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>3. Plenty to explore<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1905 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture19.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1379\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture19.jpg 1379w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture19-300x99.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture19-1024x336.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture19-768x252.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture19-750x246.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture19-1140x374.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1379px) 100vw, 1379px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re the sightseeing type, there\u2019s plenty to discover in this diverse city besides its obvious, awe-inspiring architecture. Natural beauty is in abundance here, with lush pockets of green and pretty flora and fauna to admire that contrast with the beige colonial style streets \u2013 perfect for mixing up your itinerary.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a sense of adventure, Gran Piedra (Jardin Botanico) is an absolute must. Grab your walking shoes and begin the challenging hike up to this volcanic rock\u2019s highest peak at over 1200m, where you\u2019ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city below. The main route starts from the main coastal road in Parque Baconao, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve fringed by cloaked mountains, scenic trails, and sandy beaches. Similarly, Gran Parque Natural Baconao is another beautiful corner of countryside you should visit, approximately 40 minutes from the exciting city.<\/p>\n<p>Another mesmerising place to visit is The Pico Turquino National Park, set within the Sierra Maestra Mountain Range which runs along southeastern Cuba. Home to the highest mountain in Cuba, Pico Turquino (1,974m tall), thrill-seekers can venture to this vast, remote park to meander the dense forests, scenic terrain, and hike the tall peaks \u2013 passing several rural communities as you go. Nature enthusiasts can spot up to 100 species of endemic plants here, such as orchids, ferns, bromeliads and beyond \u2013 and if you squint, you might even spot the smallest bird in the world \u2013 the bee hummingbird.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>4. The neighbourhoods<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1906 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture20.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1153\" height=\"769\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture20.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture20-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture20-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture20-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture20-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture20-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1153px) 100vw, 1153px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Santiago De Cuba has a handful of idyllic neighbourhoods that are well worth visiting, the most beguiling (in our opinion) being Barrio el Tivoli. This quiet, hilly neighbourhood located in the heart of the city is fringed by old wooden houses, postcard-worthy staircases, and a whole heap of charm. Stroll through the cobbled streets and you\u2019ll feel as though you\u2019re a character in a movie, passing kids playing cheerfully and old men sat all-hours of the day playing dominoes on the steps.<\/p>\n<p>The famous Padre Pico steps are almost a century old and lead to the Tivoli neighbourhood and Museo de la Lucha Clandestina (Museum of the Underground Struggle), should you wish to frequent it for an hour or so and learn of the November 1956 attack on this former police headquarters.<\/p>\n<p>Just south of Parque C\u00e9spedes, this is the type of place you can wander for hours and soak up its spirit.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>5. The Rum<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1907 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture21.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1147\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture21.jpg 1147w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture21-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture21-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1147px) 100vw, 1147px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Now, we\u2019re not suggesting that anyone visits this city for the rum alone (although there\u2019ll be zero judgement if you do), but we certainly believe it to be a contributing factor. As previously mentioned, Santiago De Cuba plays host to the original Bacardi factory, founded in 1862, and it happens to be one of the oldest and most popular in the city.<\/p>\n<p>The factory itself bottles up a whopping nine million litres of rum per year, 70% of which is exported. Be sure to visit Barrita de Ron, a tourist bar attached to the factory for tastings.<\/p>\n<p>You can also visit the museum, where you\u2019ll not only learn about the history and culture of the drink but can browse a collection of vintage weapons and artifacts from the Bacard<em>\u00ed<\/em> family\u2019s travels, too.<\/p>\n<p>So, if traditional music that lifts the soul, rich history, naturally beautiful spaces, and a dash of rum sounds like a holiday to you, get in touch with our travel specialists at Love Cuba to plan your Santiago De Cuba stay, today.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1908 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture22.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1256\" height=\"556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture22.jpg 1256w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture22-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture22-1024x453.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture22-768x340.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture22-750x332.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Picture22-1140x505.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1256px) 100vw, 1256px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Love Cuba<\/strong>\u00a0is the UK\u2019s leading\u00a0<strong>Cuba holiday specialist<\/strong>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/\">Click here for more info<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/\"><strong>Cuba holidays<\/strong><\/a><strong>,<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/holiday-types\/multi-centre-cuba-holidays\"><strong>Multi Centre Cuba Holidays<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovecuba.com\/holiday-types\/tailor-made-cuba-holidays\"><strong>Tailor Made Cuba Holidays<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0please don\u2019t hesitate to contact our friendly team of\u00a0<strong>Cuba holiday specialists<\/strong>\u00a0on\u00a0<strong>0207 071 3636<\/strong>\u00a0or email\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:enquiries@lovecuba.com\"><strong>enquiries@lovecuba.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Santiago De Cuba is often overlooked by travellers of Cuba, with tourists flocking to explore the capital of Havana instead. While Havana is absolutely worth the visit, Cuba\u2019s second-largest city (and former capital) deserves a share of the spotlight for its spectacular history and culture. We\u2019ve rounded up a few of the reasons why [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1910,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"subtitle":"","format":"standard","video":"","gallery":"","source_name":"","source_url":"","via_name":"","via_url":"","override_template":"0","override":[{"template":"1","single_blog_custom":"","parallax":"1","fullscreen":"1","layout":"right-sidebar","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"top","share_float_style":"share-monocrhome","show_share_counter":"1","show_view_counter":"1","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"1","show_post_reading_time":"0","post_reading_time_wpm":"300","show_zoom_button":"0","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"1","show_prev_next_post":"1","show_popup_post":"1","number_popup_post":"1","show_author_box":"0","show_post_related":"0","show_inline_post_related":"0"}],"override_image_size":"0","image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"crop-500","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post":"0","trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post":"0","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored by","sponsored_post_name":"","sponsored_post_url":"","sponsored_post_logo_enable":"0","sponsored_post_logo":"","sponsored_post_desc":""},"jnews_primary_category":{"id":""},"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4,6],"tags":[28,126,127],"class_list":["post-1902","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination","category-guides","category-travel-tips","tag-cuba","tag-cuba-holidays","tag-santiago-de-cuba"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>5 reasons why Santiago De Cuba is a must visit - Love Cuba Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Santiago de Cuba is a must-visit destination for its rich history, music, and culture. 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