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| Free Santiago de Cuba Holiday Guide |
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| SANTIAGO DE CUBA LOCAL HISTORY |
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The Spaniards founded this, Cuba’s second city in 1514 and the capital from 1524 to 1549. For 2 hundred years from 1700 it was the slave trade capital, because of it’s deep harbour.
Nowadays the ethnically diverse population lives in an exotic town that has changed little in 100 years.
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Casa de Diego Valazquez – Calle Felix Pena 61, The former house of the governor of the area 1516-30 and thought to be the oldest house in Cuba now houses a fine museum of interesting traditional furniture, Worth going just for the style.
Museo Provincial Bacardi Moreau – Calle Pio Rosado, Emilio Bacardi the man who discovered the famous rum named in his honour started a distillery at this place in 1828. This huge building houses some fine Cuban art and you can arrange a tour of the distillery.
Cathederal de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion – Calle Heredia, Built originally in 1555, but little remains and after 3 further rebuilds in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries you not only have a builders dream, but an interesting mixture of styles. There is a lovely museum in the Cathedral with an important collection of early church musical scores.
Museo Del Carnival – Calle Heredia 303, this small museum is dedicated to the carnival here in July and depicts its history. If you were here in July then you’d love this hot, steamy Rio style procession that dates back to the 17th century.
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Santiago 1900 – This downtown mansion was the home of the Bacardi family and now a beautiful restaurant in a stylish setting with live background music.
Don Antonio – In the Plaza Dolores is this fabulous blue and stone building. The restaurant serves tasty Creole food at a reasonable price.
Casa Granda – In the hotel bearing the same name, this classy dining experience will leave you satisfied with the ample portions of good local and international delicacies and won’t break the bank either.
El Morro – The restaurant located near to the entrance to the Morro Castle is popular for their Criollo cooking (Pork with a special sauce) if you like your food spicy you’ll love this treat. Sea views from the terrace are divine.
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