The city of Santiago
de Cuba was founded by Diego Velázquez
in 1515. In the first half of the 16th century
it was the country's capital city and the official
residence of the Spanish rulers until 1553,
when it was established in Havana.
In order to
protect the city from the attacks of corsairs
and pirates, in 1633 the Spanish authorities
started building a defensive system of which
the Morro Castle and the cannon pieces of
La Socapa and La Estrella have lasted to
our days.
The city is
surrounded by Sierra Maestra mountains,
rendering this city a special atmosphere.
A spot near its center still preserves its
colonial houses and narrow streets. Padre
Rico street is outstanding for its steep
steps. Here you will also find the famous
and visited Heredia street, named after
the Cuban poet of the 19th century, José
María Heredia, ending at Céspedes
park.
This
park is located at the center of the city
and is surrounded by important buildings
as the Cathedral, the Museum of the Cuban
Historical Ambience, the Government Palace
and the house where Diego Velázquez
once lived.
From the
Hotels in Santiago de Cuba, the visitor
will have the chance of making visits
to the City, Baconao National Park, Gran
Piedra and the Sanctuary of Virgin of
Caridad del Cobre, patron saint of Cuba.
