Weird & Unusual Attractions in Santiago de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
1. El Morro de San Juan del Príncipe
An ancient Spanish fortress with a lighthouse that offers panoramic views of Santiago Bay. It's unique due to its historic significance and the ghost stories associated with it.
- Historic Significance: Built in the late 16th century, it's one of the oldest fortresses in Cuba.
- Ghost Stories: Legend has it that the fortress is haunted by the ghost of its original commander, Juan del Príncipe.
- Panoramic Views: The lighthouse offers stunning views of Santiago Bay.
2. La India Mena's House
The birthplace of Cuba's national hero, Frank Pais. It's a museum dedicated to his life and the Cuban Revolution.
- National Hero's Birthplace: It's the birthplace of one of Cuba's most important revolutionaries.
- Revolutionary Museum: The museum offers insight into the Cuban Revolution and Frank Pais's role in it.
- Historic Preservation: The house has been preserved as a historic site.
3. Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
A stunning baroque-style cathedral with an unusual leaning tower. It's the third-largest cathedral in the Americas.
- Baroque Architecture: The cathedral showcases beautiful baroque architecture.
- Leaning Tower: The tower leans slightly, reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Size: It's the third-largest cathedral in the Americas.
4. Los Jazmines de Santiago
A scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Sierra Maestra mountains. It's known for its unique flora and fauna.
- Scenic Viewpoint: It offers stunning views of the Sierra Maestra mountains.
- Unique Flora and Fauna: The area is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species.
- Hiking Trails: There are several hiking trails for nature lovers.
5. Casa de la Trova
A popular music venue where traditional Cuban music is performed. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively performances.
- Traditional Cuban Music: It's a hub for traditional Cuban music like son and trova.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: The venue has a lively, festive atmosphere.
- Local Culture Experience: It offers a unique glimpse into Cuban culture and tradition.
6. Monte Cristo Cemetery
A historic cemetery with ornate tombs and mausoleums. It's known for its unique architectural styles.
- Historic Cemetery: It dates back to the late 19th century.
- Ornate Tombstones: The tombs and mausoleums are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
- Architectural Styles: The architectural styles range from neoclassical to art deco.
7. El Almacén de las Caridadas
A former brothel turned museum dedicated to the lives of women during the Cuban Revolution.
- Brothel Turned Museum: It was a brothel in the early 20th century and is now a museum.
- Women's History: The museum focuses on the role of women during the Cuban Revolution.
- Revolutionary Era Artifacts: The museum houses artifacts from the revolutionary era.
8. Museo de la Revolución Victorio Dávila
A museum dedicated to the life and work of Victorio Dávila, a revolutionary hero. It's unique due to its focus on one individual's contributions.
- Individual Revolutionary Hero: The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Victorio Dávila, a key figure in the Cuban Revolution.
- Revolutionary Artifacts: The museum houses artifacts from Dávila's life and the revolutionary period.
- Local Hero Worship: It reflects the local reverence for revolutionary heroes.
9. Plaza de la Revolución
A large public square with iconic murals and monuments. It's unique due to its historic significance and political symbolism.
- Historic Significance: It was the site of several key speeches by Fidel Castro.
- Iconic Murals: The murals depict scenes from the Cuban Revolution and Cuban history.
- Political Symbolism: The square is a symbol of the Cuban Revolution and its ideals.
10. Parque Cespedes
A large park with historic buildings and monuments. It's unique due to its role as a focal point for Santiago de Cuba.
- Focal Point of Santiago de Cuba: The park is the central hub of Santiago de Cuba.
- Historic Buildings: The park houses several historic buildings, including the City Hall and the Casa Granda.
- Monuments: There are monuments dedicated to various historical figures.
11. Museo del Caribe
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Caribbean region. It's unique due to its focus on a broader regional context.
- Regional Focus: The museum focuses on the history and culture of the wider Caribbean region.
- Caribbean Artifacts: The museum houses artifacts from various Caribbean countries.
- Cultural Exchange: It promotes cultural exchange and understanding between Caribbean nations.
12. La Bodeguita del Medio Santiago
A Cuban restaurant and bar famous for its rum-based cocktails. It's unique due to its connection to famous patrons like Ernest Hemingway.
- Rum Cocktails: It's known for its Cuban rum-based cocktails.
- Famous Patrons: Notable figures like Ernest Hemingway have frequented the establishment.
- Cuban Cuisine: The restaurant serves traditional Cuban cuisine.
13. Sancti Spíritus Church
A church built in the shape of a ship. It's unique due to its nautical design.
- Nautical Design: The church is designed in the shape of a ship.
- Historic Significance: It was built in the late 16th century.
- Architectural Uniqueness: The ship-shaped design sets it apart from other churches.
14. El Castillo del Morro
A fortress with a lighthouse at the tip. It's unique due to its strategic location and military history.
- Strategic Location: The fortress is strategically located on a headland overlooking the bay.
- Military History: It has a rich military history dating back to the Spanish colonial era.
- Lighthouse: The lighthouse at the tip of the fortress guides ships into Santiago Bay.
15. El Palenque de San Juan
An Afro-Cuban religious site dedicated to Changó, the Yoruba god of thunder. It's unique due to its blend of African and Cuban traditions.
- Afro-Cuban Religion: It's dedicated to Changó, a Yoruba god.
- Blend of Traditions: It reflects the blending of African and Cuban traditions.
- Religious Significance: The site is significant to Afro-Cubans and their religious practices.