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Historic Sites in Cuba

Cuba
Historic Sites in Cuba

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Fidel Castro’s revolution left fascinating attractions in its wake. There are sites of military importance that have fallen out of use, like the Moncada Barracks, an attraction that now houses a museum and a school. At the El Morro Historic Park you can see a fort built by the Spanish, which has also been transformed into a museum. The Morro-Cabaña Military Park is a fort that was originally built to ward off English pirate attacks. See Cuba’s colonial history in the neighborhood of Trinidad, where historians and artists have worked to keep the buildings picturesque. Near Trinidad you can also visit the Valley de los Ingenios, the site of Cuba’s oldest sugar plantations.

Destinations

Cuba highlights: Historic Sites in Cuba

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Moncada Barracks

Moncada Barracks

This is where it all began, the place where Fidel stormed Batista’s military barracks in Santiago de Cuba—this event set the course for the entire Revolution. Today, the Moncada Barracks is both a museum and a school.
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Valle de los Ingenios

Valle de los Ingenios

Set just outside Trinidad, the Valle de los Ingenios was once the main sugar-producing region of Cuba. These days it’s scattered with the ruins of sugar mills and estate houses, and makes for a fascinating visit while staying in Trinidad.
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Presidio Modelo

Presidio Modelo

On Isla de Juventud, the prison of Presidio Modelo serves as a reminder of the regimes that came before Castro. It is located right outside of Nueva Gerona, the island’s small capital. Presidio Modelo means “model prison” in English, and was designed to help Cuban authorities deal with a large number of prisoners with fewer guards.
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Morro-Cabaña Historical Military Park

Morro-Cabaña Historical Military Park

Two large fortresses stand solemnly over the Bay of Havana. Together, these forts make up Morro-Cabaña Historical Military Park. At the time of its creation, this was the largest Spanish defensive complex in the Americas.
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Santa Ifigenia Cemetery

Santa Ifigenia Cemetery

This cemetery is home to the remains of important Cuban figures, including Jose Martí and Manuel Céspedes. Time your visit with the guard-changing ceremony at Martí’s tomb, which happens every 30 minutes.
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Cristobal Colon Cemetery

Cristobal Colon Cemetery

Cuba’s most important cemetery is the Cristóbal Colón Cemetery. Located in Havana, this cemetery is the final resting place for important Cuban politicians, artists, intellectuals, and even one saint.
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El Morro Historical Park

El Morro Historical Park

The El Morro Historical Park is comprised of a huge castle overlooking the entrance to the Santiago Bay. The castle is in excellent condition and has fascinating exhibits.
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