| Destination: Santiago de Cuba |
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| Santiago de Cuba |
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Spanish
Governor Diego Velázquez founded a settlement here
on July 25, 1515. The province covers 2,382 square miles (610
square kilometers) and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and
the Sierra Maestra Mountains, which contain the highest point
in Cuba at 6,476 ft. (1,974 m). Santiago is Cuba's second
largest city and has an eclectic collection of architectural
styles, ranging from colonial to art deco. The city center
is packed with beautiful pastel colored buildings, many in
better condition than those found in the capital.
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| Hotel Meliá Santiago |
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| Former home of Diego Velázquez |
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During
the 17th century, Santiago was besieged by pirates from both
France and England. This led to the construction of the Castillo
del Morro, which is still intact today, and houses a museum
about the region's maritime history. Because of its location,
Santiago has received many waves of immigrants; it was the
first city in Cuba where African slaves were brought. Later,
many French landowners fled to the city from the slave uprisings
in Haiti during the 18th century. Jamaicans have also migrated
to Santiago in significant numbers. The Moncada barracks,
just outside Santiago, were the sight of the first attack
by Castro and his forces on July 26, 1953. The attack failed,
but Santiago is still known as the Ciudad Héroe (the
City of Heroes). |
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| The city
is centered around Céspedes Park. Surrounding it are
many of Santiago's most important buildings, including the
Cathedral, the Museo de Ambiente Histórico Cubano (Museum
of Cuban History), the Palacio de Gobierno, and the former
home of Diego Velázquez. Other places of interest include
the Museo 26 de Julio, commemorating the Moncada attacks,
the Museo de la Lucha Clandestina (Museum of the Underground
Movement), and the Museo Bacardi. Take the time to stroll
down charming streets such as Calle Heredia and Calle Padre
Pico. |
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| Cathedral |
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| Granjita Siboney |
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The most
popular pilgrimage site in Cuba is the Santuario Nacional
a Nuestra Senora de la Caridad del Cobre. An impressive altar
is housed in a church with dual bell towers that stands alone
on a hill about 15 kilometers northwest of of the city center.
Some sights
east of Santiago include the Granjita Siboney, Valle de la
Prehistoria (Prehistoric Valley), and the Acuario de Baconao
(Baconao Aquarium). Granjita Siboney is a famous revolutionary
hideout. The Valle de la Prehistoria is a park with lifelike
concrete replicas of dinosaurs. The Acuario de Baconao is
an aquarium that presents dolphin and sea lion shows and offers
places to watch sharks and dolphins from a tunnel underneath
the pool. There is also a small marine museum. |
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| When one speaks
of hospitality in Cuba, the people of Santiago de Cuba always come
to mind. Being from Santiago de Cuba means being attentive and joyous.
Music pours through the city streets, and Santiagueros are famous
for inventing reasons to party. Solidarity and joy are deeply rooted
in the hearts of those who live in this Caribbean city. |
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