Santiago de Cuba, the cradle of the Cuban revolution

On July 26 Cuba celebrates its national holiday, National Uprising Day. On July 23, 1953 a group of young revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attempted to seize the Moncada Barracks on the east of the island. After an abortive assault, they were put into prison but later pardoned due to public pressure.

Santiago de Cuba is the country’s second largest city. It is surrounded by the Sierra Maestra Mountains on all sides. According to recent statistics, the city has a population of about 446,000.

Santiago’s Moncada Barracks are named after General Guillermo Moncada, a hero in the Cuban war of independence. On July 26, 1953 a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attacked the Moncada Barracks.

The Santa Iphigenia Cemetery was established in 1868 to bury the heroes of the war for independence and the victims of a yellow fever outbreak that took place at the same time.

The grave of Cuban national hero Jose Marti (1853-1895) is in this cemetery. He was the leader of the Cuban movement for liberation from Spain. Poet, writer and essayist, Marti, was nicknamed the Apostle of Independence. In literary circles he was known as the father of modernism.

Transportation is a problem in Santiago like most of the rest of besieged Cuba. Buses converted from trucks are a common sight.

The city looks its best in spring and summer when Flamboyants are in bloom. These bright red and pink flowers bloom on trees with spreading branches.

The city has narrow streets. There are more pedestrians than cars in its historic center.

There are some classic vehicles in the city. This bus is as old as the Cuban revolution.

At one time Santiago had streetcars, but now only the tracks are left as a reminder.

There are many souvenir, book and antique stores in the city’s historic center.

The San Pedro de la Roca Castle is located near the Port of Santiago. UNESCO has proclaimed it a world heritage site. The museum of piracy is located in a castle 60 meters above sea level. The well was used to dispose of pirates who were sentenced to death. They were dropped through this well into the sea.

The Basilica of the Virgin of Charity from Cobre, Cuba’s patroness, is Santiago’s most famous sight.

The basilica is located on a hill 20 kilometers to the north-east of Santiago.