There are many reasons that people go on Cuba holidays – the sun, sands, culture and beauty are all major draws, but perhaps the main reason for the island’s popularity is based on its infamous history. Of course it’s not all about the revolution, and there’s plenty for history buffs to see on a tour of Cuba. Here are some of the historical sites that you should consider seeing when visiting the island:
San Salvador de la Punta Fortress
Located in the bay of Havana, this 16th century fortress was an important strategic entrance to the harbour. The years have been cruel to the fortress, with a 1595 hurricane doing severe damage before the English expedition took further toll upon the construction in 1762. It was fully restored in 1997 and is now quite the tourist attraction, and well worth a visit when on holiday in Cuba.
Cathedral of Havana
Known locally as the Cathedral de San Cristobal de La Havana, the Cathedral is a fine example of baroque architecture. One of the more unusual features is noticeable when looking at the asymmetrical towers – one of which is significantly wider than the other in order to aid the flow of rain water more easily. It’s a wonderful sight, and is perhaps best described by the Cuban novelist Alejo Carpentier: “music set in stone.”
Jose Marti’s Birthplace
Jose Marti is a national hero in Cuba – a writer, activist, poet and revolutionary who died fighting against the Spanish. It’s no surprise that the house where he was born is kept as a homage and museum to the man. Anyone with any interest in Cuban history should drop by here and take in the many exhibits that chronicle his life.
Iglesia de Espiritu Santo
The oldest church in Havana, built in 1638 by slaves who would later buy their own freedom, is a must see for those on a tour of Cuba’s historical sites. Appropriately given its heritage, it’s the only church in Havana that’s able to grant political asylum. Those visiting will be able to enjoy a handful of memorable paintings, alongside the catacombs beneath the church when accompanied by a guide.
El Floridita
While it’s fair to say that the most famous bar and restaurant in Havana is living off its connections with Hemmingway, it remains an important stop on your tour of Cuba. With its 1950s décor and Hemingway memorabilia, it’s a tourist hotspot – and the prices reflect this – but it’s worth a visit to sample the legendary Daiquiri cocktails that the author himself was so fond of.
Cuevas Del Indio
Cuevas Del Indio (The Caves of the Indian) is named after the Indian remains once found within. If that has intrigued you enough to learn more then you can explore the caves either with a guide or on your own. It is four kilometres long, but only the first kilometre can be traversed on foot – after that a motorised boat will take you further into the cave which is home to bats, opaque fish and blind crustaceans.
Playa Giron
The Bay of Pigs was of course an important scene from Cuba’s revolutionary history. The Bay of Pigs Invasion took place in April 1961, when a CIA backed invasion attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro. When all the invaders had been defeated, Castro officially announced that the revolution was a success, and US Cuban relations went from strained to hostile. Nowadays, little remains of the original village but there are a handful of references to the past bloodshed – from memorials to the Cubans who lost their lives, to the museum and Castro’s quote at the written on the entrance to the village: the Bay of Pigs was the “first defeat of Yankee imperialism”. History buffs should really pay the Bay of Pigs a visit on their holiday in Cuba.
Moncada Barracks
On July 26 1953, the Mondcada Barracks were attacked by a small group of Cubans led by Fidel Castro, signifying the beginning of the Cuban Revolution. July 26 was adopted as the name of Castro’s revolutionary movement, and the date is still celebrated in Cuba. The attack failed, and Castro was imprisoned for his involvement, before the successful revolution occurred years later. Nowadays the barracks house a school and the Museum of the Revolution – a fascinating stop on any Cuba holiday.
Morro Castle
Majestically guarding the entrance to Havana bay is the picturesque Morro Castle. Built in 1589 to prevent raids on the harbour, it eventually fell to the British in 1762 who attacked it from the rear from high ground. When the island was returned to the Spanish a year later, they built the fort at La Cabana to prevent it falling so easily again.
Author Resource:-
Emma Lelliott is the General Manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent specialist in Cuba tours. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba (http://www.captivatingcuba.com/cuba/escorted_tours/) can help you tailor-make the perfect Cuban holiday experience.
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