Things to see and do East

It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries of Cuba and it is a visit to make absolutely during your passage in Santiago de Cuba! Inaugurated in 1868, all white and made of Carrara marble, very green and immense, it is organized in masterly alleys where the tombs are often surmounted by superb sculptures.

Although it is a very pleasant place to walk around, in order to fully grasp its history and complexity, we really recommend a guided tour (about 1 hour), just ask for it when you buy your ticket. The Santa Ifigenia cemetery and its 10,000 graves includes the graves of many ordinary inhabitants of Santiago de Cuba but also of some of the great families of the city and especially of illustrious characters of Cuban history, which makes it similar to the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris and makes it an open-air museum.

José Martí's mausoleum. José Martí, the Apostle of the Homeland, rests in a magnificent and imposing white marble mausoleum on which one can read: "When I die/Without a homeland but without a master/Have on my tomb a bouquet of flowers and a flag." And indeed a bouquet of white flowers and the Cuban flag are in the mausoleum permanently in accordance with his wishes ...

Fidel Castro's tomb. At the entrance to the cemetery lies Fidel Castro who died on November 25, 2016 in Havana. He is buried a few meters from José Martí, for whom he had great admiration and who inspired him throughout his career. After being cremated, his ashes traveled throughout the country during the 9 days of national mourning before being buried here on December 4, 2016 in strict privacy. 21 cannon shots were then fired but no speeches were made according to his last wishes. His grave is very sober, materialized by a block of pure granite 2.5 m high and 42 tons, extracted from the Gran Piedra, which is part of the Sierra Maestra, and which symbolizes the strength of the Cuban Revolution. Fidel's remains are inside this granite block to symbolize Fidel's action inside the Sierra Maestra. A symbolism that refers directly to the quote of José Marti "All the glory of the world is in a grain of corn". The green plants all around symbolize the Sierra Maestra, which had a key importance in the finalization of the Cuban Revolution. All around the granite block and the plants, 19 columns can be seen, representing the 19 warring fronts set up in the Sierra Maestra by Fidel; they are joined by a bronze chain that represents the common struggle of all these fronts for the triumph of the Revolution. On the granite block is simply affixed a marble plaque with the inscription "Fidel". This simplicity is an integral part of Fidel Castro's last wishes, as he did not want any statue or monument in his cemetery, or even anywhere else in the country, as he rejected any personality cult.

Other Cuban personalities in the cemetery. Other heroes of the war for independence and the revolution are also buried there, such as Mariana Grajales, considered the mother of the country by Cubans, as she sacrificed most of her children in the war against Spain for Cuba's independence; Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, considered the father of the Cuban homeland, because this rich landowner was the main initiator of the war of independence against Spain; Frank País and the fighters of the attack on the Moncada barracks as well as those of the uprising of November 30, 1956. Finally, several famous Cuban music artists are buried here, including Compay Segundo, the singer of the Buenavista Social Club. On his grave there is a replica of his hat and guitar, which he never left, and 95 bronze flowers that represent the age of the singer's death. Compay's remains are above the funerary monument, in a beautiful wooden box placed on sand from Siboney, where Compay Segundo was born in the province of Santiago de Cuba.

The tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte's doctor. During your visit to the cemetery, you will notice many French surnames, including the Corsican François Antommarchi, the fourth and last doctor of Napoleon Bonaparte. He was the one who made Napoleon's death mask. He came to Cuba after Napoleon's death and is considered the pioneer of ophthalmology in Cuba, as he was the first doctor to perform a cataract operation in Cuba, which took place in Santiago de Cuba itself. He also founded the first medical center in the city to treat patients suffering from yellow fever, from which he died in 1838.

The changing of the military guard. Throughout the day, every half hour, the military guard is relieved at the entrance of the cemetery. The rest of the time the soldiers are not allowed to move.

This is the only military ceremony of its kind in the whole country. It has been held since 2002, following an idea of Fidel Castro, who wanted to pay homage to José Marti first, before extending this homage to the mother and father of the Cuban homeland, namely Mariana Grajales and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes. Since the death of Fidel Castro in 2016, this military ceremony also pays tribute to Fidel, considered the^4th major figure in the Cuban revolutionary process.

Built in the 16th century, the church was destroyed several times. The present structure dates from the beginning of the 19th century. The building houses a famous cross, the Santa Cruz de la Parra. It is said to be the only surviving cross of the 29 crosses that Christopher Columbus carried on his journey to the Americas. This cross is so popular that visitors had the annoying habit of taking a small piece of it... A metallic envelope protects it now.

It is THE visit not to be missed in Santiago de Cuba! After long restoration works, the cathedral reopened during 2015 for the 500 years of the city and the result is superb! Dominating the square, the seat of the archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba was rebuilt four times on the foundations of the first cathedral (completed in 1528, then destroyed). The current church dates from the 19th century. The facade and aisles were decorated in 1922 in an eclectic style. Note the five naves and the large number of secondary altars. Several bishops and Diego Velázquez are buried here.

Don't miss the chance to climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a sublime panoramic view of Santiago de Cuba. To reach the top, you have to climb a total of 93 steps, and, to tell the truth, the last ones are quite sporty with a very steep wooden staircase. Avoid tap shoes if you can and wear sneakers instead... In any case, you should know that your efforts will be rewarded because the view you will have is well worth it.

Important: to visit the church, you should cover your shoulders and wear pants or a skirt that covers at least your knees. If you are not sufficiently dressed, you will not be allowed to enter for indecent exposure.

Mass.If you wish to attend a mass in the cathedral, here are the times: Tuesday to Friday at 6:30 pm, Saturday at 5 pm, Sunday at 9 am and 6:30 pm.

Founded on June 7, 1983, this very good museum traces the history of the carnival in Santiago de Cuba, considered the most prestigious of the island. There are many musical instruments, photographs, costumes and floats. Every day at 4 pm, the group 19 de Septiembre performs typical dances, such as the tumba francesa or the rumba. The performance, which lasts about 45 minutes, takes place in the patio of the museum. The price of the show is included in the entrance ticket, but if you want to take pictures, it is 5 € per person.

The museum is organized around three eras:

Colonial Era. Originally a religious festival dedicated to Santiago Apostol, patron saint of the city, Carnival became a pagan festival in the 16th century, with the participation of slaves and the creation of cabildos and the tumba francesa. The Spanish power used it to curb revolts or the escape of slaves.

The mercantilist or neocolonial republic. The carnival served as an advertising medium for companies (Bacardi, Hatuey beer...) and politicians who subsidized it. In exchange, the dancers and musicians agree to march, covered with the slogans of the moment.

The triumph of the revolution. Fidel and his men attacked the Moncada military barracks on July 26, in the middle of Carnival. After the victory of the revolution, new slogans praising the power in place appear. A certain return to tradition is also observed. The carnival takes place the last week of July!

The Castillo del Morro (also called Fortaleza de San Pedro de la Roca) is the city's oldest fortress, completed in 1643, and was originally intended to defend Santiago and its bay from the English, Dutch and French pirates who plundered the entire Caribbean. Extremely well restored and perched on a hill overlooking the entrance to the bay, this defensive complex built according to the plans of the architect Antonelli, already at the origin of the Castillo del Morro in Havana, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Once there, enjoy the superb panorama. Visit also the museum focused on piracy and the naval battle that opposed, in 1898, the Spanish and American navies. Note that Theodore Roosevelt, lieutenant colonel of the first regiment of cavalry volunteers and future president of the United States (1901-1909), took part in the assault on San Juan Hill.

Every day at 5:30 p.m., or 6:30 p.m. in summer, the cannon is fired to celebrate the surrender of Spain. Finally, it is possible to have a drink or a meal on the terrace of the bar-restaurant San Pedro del Mar, near the fort. Beautiful sunsets in perspective. When you leave the castle, don't hesitate to take the road that goes down on your left to follow the coast. When you reach the sea level, the small but fantastic Playa Estrella comes into view. A visit that will give satisfaction to the lovers of pirate stories!

Built by order of Governor Hernando de Soto, this lookout - which is known here as the mirador or the balcón de Velazquez - offers a superb view of the bay, the city's rooftops and the surrounding mountains. In the past, the mirador was part of a larger defensive complex. If you're lucky, you'll find yourself in the middle of a tango or bolero recital as you pass by. A perfect place to relax during a walk in the city.

This basilica, built in 1927 in the heart of a valley surrounded by copper mines(cobre), is in a way the counterpart of our national Lourdes in Cuba. The crowd of street vendors selling statuettes and rosaries with the image of the Virgin underlines the importance of the phenomenon. Pilgrims flock to honor the Virgin, according to the Christian rite, or the goddess of love Oshún, for the followers of the santería. A simple glance at the ex-voto room is enough to give the measure of the fervor that surrounds the patron saint of Cuba. On September 8, the day of the fiesta of the Caridad del Cobre, pilgrims from Santiago and the surrounding area leave on foot, early in the morning, to reach the place. Some climb the steps on their knees. The believers put their vows to the Virgin in transparent urns at the altar and they are usually filled to the brim. Newlyweds and their families also regularly come to the Basilica to place a bouquet of flowers in the good graces of Our Lady.

Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Havana for twenty years, even offered his Nobel Prize to the Virgin of Santiago and this official declaration can be seen under glass on a wall, not far from the altar. Pope John Paul II visited in 1998. More recently, Pope Francis came to celebrate a mass in this basilica during his official visit in September 2015.

To know everything about the rum making process, which started in Santiago in 1862 under the impulse of the Catalans and the French. Don't hesitate to ask for a guidebook, always very useful, to understand a little better the world of the Cuban national drink. The Rum Museum is located within the walls of the Taverna del Ron. The tasting is thus foreseen. A still is installed at the entrance of the house, in neoclassical style. A store is also on site. The Taverna is open every day until 9 pm (about 2 € per cocktail).

Nature lovers will not make the journey for nothing. This immense rock of 51 m length and 25 m height, is suspended in balance at 1 234 m above the sea level. It is the third largest rock in the world. After climbing the 130 steps staircase, you will have access to the natural viewpoint with an exceptional panorama on the bay of Santiago. On a clear day, the Jamaican and Haitian coasts stand out on the horizon. The botanists will appreciate the very rich flora (ferns and orchids). Catering and accommodation on site.

A grey sand beach moderately beautiful but nevertheless packed in summer and Sunday. Almost deserted the rest of the time. Fishermen offer their daily catches (especially lobster).

Part of the Bahia de Naranjo ecological reserve, Las Guanas is a coastal path abandoned to the goodwill of nature, located at the western end of Playa Esmeralda. You can walk it on your own or hire a guide to help you discover the 127 species of plants that make up the flora of this 16 hectare park. Privileged access to Esmeralda Beach which, despite its small size, is beautiful.

Tablez on 2 days of intense, but regular walking, along a magnificent path in the heart of a mythical and lush Sierra Maestra. Overnight is done in the Joaquin Aguada refuge at 1 750 m altitude (sleeping bag not provided). Simple reminder: As everywhere in the mountains, the weather changes rapidly, and rainfall in the area is frequent. Once at the top of the island, 1 974 m and often in the clouds, you enjoy the moment and the panorama near the bust of José Martí before going down.

La Casa Del Caribe is a cultural center located in Santiago de Cuba. It offers a variety of activities related to Afro-Cuban music and dance. However, some travelers have mentioned in their reviews that it can be difficult to get information on programs and show times. It's advisable to visit the venue every evening to make sure you don't miss any of the events. In addition, it seems that tourists have to pay to attend shows, while Cubans do not. Despite this, Casa Del Caribe remains an interesting place to visit to discover the region's culture and music.

An eclectic two storey building overlooking the city, with its elegant, sober and elegant façade. There are records of religious buildings in the region.

Dating back to the th century, it is the only church in Santiago with a single nave. The great Cuban musician and violinist Esteban Salas is buried there. Attention, it only opens once a week, in a fairly random way.

Church to three th-century naves, with asymmetrical facade and side tower. The baptismal fonts were named Antonio Maceo.

A small church of the th century, with bell tower. Neo-classical facade.

It is possible to reach Playa Morales in the heart of the small village of PE ̂, less than kilome in the east of the village centre. Once on the spot, the most icel will continue towards Playa Puerto Rico, which is remarkably quiet.

Heart of the city, the square houses a beautiful bandstand, the Glorieta. It is an eclectic construction, of Moorish style and of great architectural richness despite its small size. The original idea of the project was to pay homage to the mayor who ruled the city at the beginning of the twentieth century. He proposed to erect a monument to beautify the city: all the inhabitants would make their personal contribution. The work was inaugurated in 1924, at the beginning of the carnival.