Santiago de Cuba, a must go in the South of Cuba

Hi everyone! And today, a special hi to Darla whose email I'll be answering in this article. Darla is on her way to Guardalavaca, a beautiful beach on the South of Cuba, and asked me if she and her friends should make a visit to Santiago de Cuba?

The answer is Yes! Staying in the South of the island more than should you must save a day for Santiago. It's only about 2 hours away and you'll get the chance to know the 2nd largest city of Cuba. Although the age of the city can be seen a bit to much in it's old buildings, Santiago is still a beautiful and inspiring town with many things to offer to it's visitors.

To get a first feel of Santiago I would suggest a visit to the Céspedes Park. In this small yet important plaza of the city you'll find, side by side with the park, both the Cathedral of Santiago and the Municipality Building. Above, a photo taken from the terraces of the Hotel Casagranda (located in one of the corners of the park) towards the Municipality Building with the city in background.

Another plaza that is worthy of a visit when in Santiago de Cuba is the Plaza Antonio Maceo Grajales. The huge Equestrian Statue that lies on this plaza honoring the General's deeds in the fight for Cuban Independence (photo above) is simply unbelievable - yes, those small things to the left and right are trees, cars and people...

As I've said, also located in the Céspedes Park is the beautiful Cathedral of Santiago you can see in the photo above. Devoted to Our Lady of the Assumption, this Cathedral was the first one on the island and it was built around 1528 in a time where Santiago was the Spanish capital of the island. Without doubt, a must see in Santiago.

One other place to go is the Cemetery of Sta Ifigenia, place where among others lies the Cuban Independence Hero José Marti and also the Rum industrial Emilio Bacardí. Remember to stay for the Changing the Guard Ceremony (ask locally for the schedule so you don't have to wait for too long).

One final note for the cute Guaguas, the characteristic local "buses" that assure public transportation in Santiago de Cuba and the usual thanks to Open Galleries for the marvelous Santiago de Cuba pictures!