Santiago de Cuba, Havana’s rival in literature, music and politics, it is the second most populated city in Cuba and was founded by Diego Velázquez in 1515.

Situated in a picturesque location at the foot of the Sierra Maestra, it was the capital until 1553.

Santiago de Cuba has always stood out in the history of Cuba, because of the rebellious character of its inhabitants, so as to merit the title of ‘Capital of the Revolution’.

The port plays an important role in the entire national economy. The nerve center of the city is the Piazza Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, here are the dell’Ayuntamiento palace (city hall), the Casa de Diego Velázquez, the oldest house in all of Cuba where it is housed the Museo de Ambiente Historico Cubano, and Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, where it is hosted Eclesiastico Museum.

Behind the cathedral is the Balcon de Velázquez, from where you can enjoy the nice views of the harbor. Calle Heredia, between Parque Carlos Manuel de Céspedes and the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is the way santiaghera narrowest and most famous of the city. It named after the poet José María Heredia, whose birth house, located at number 260, is now a museum dedicated to the illustrious santiaghero.

At number 303 there is the Palacio del Museo del Carnaval, historical memory of the city carnival. Still on Calle Heredia there is the House of the Trova (House Sarcedo). Also worth seeing are the Casa del Queso and the Provincial Library.