The most beautiful religious buildings Cuba

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.

Built in 1713, the Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad was destroyed several times. It was rebuilt in the 19th century, with the final inauguration in 1892, and is a mixture of neoclassical and Greek styles. If the exterior of the church is remarkable, linger inside as well: the precious wooden Christ, which was originally destined for the city of Vera Cruz in Mexico, is impressive. Note also the beautiful ornate altar.

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.

Begun in 1833, on the site of the first church founded in 1819, the Catedral de la Purísima Concepción was not completed until 1869. Characteristic of the neoclassical style of the time and notable for its stained glass windows imported from France - considered the most beautiful on the island - the cathedral, rather sober, is perfectly integrated with the other national monuments of the José Marti square. Note that the colored stained glass windows represent the twelve apostles.

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.