These casas are Cuba’s version of a B&B. Not only is the architecture in many of these “casas” true to the era, the furnishings also frequently date from that time period.
Dating from 1522, this church has been recently renovated leaving the ceiling looking like a wonderful, riotous wedding cake.
Named after Diego de Velasquez, the first Spanish governor of Cuba, the Casa Velasquez is now a remarkable museum displaying furnishings and artifacts from three different centuries in Santiago’s history.
Its official name is El Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, or San Pedro de la Roca Castle, but locals just refer to it as “El Morro.” It’s the perfect spot for those looking to learn about Santiago de Cuba’s past and its pirates.
The architecture is interesting and the sanctuary sits on a lush, plateau dotted with those majestic, impossibly tall Cuban palm trees. But the real draw is the people you see that come to pray and their shows of devotion.
Santa Ifigenia Cemetery is landscaped with lush, tropical foliage which contrast beautifully with the white of the stonework. The funerary statuary is as elaborate as you would expect for mausoleums created for former presidents and world renowned artists.