Historically Santiago de Cuba city has long been the second most important city on the island after Havana, although is no longer the second largest. It is on a bay connected to the Caribbean Sea and is an important sea port. Santiago de Cuba city was founded by Spanish conquistador Diego Vel Vazquez de Cullar on June 28, 1514.
Santiago de Cuba city is hilly with sloping streets, surrounded by the Sierra Maestra mountain range. It boasts some monuments and museums associated with Cuba's long struggle for national independence. Santiago de Cuba city also claims to have the oldest home in the Americas, the Case de Diego Velazquez, residence of the Spanish governor of old, which is a highlight of the Santiago de Cuba city's historic quarter.
One of them is Baconao Park - the large park region, which is a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve. This is filled with attractions other than wildlife refuges and coffee plantations. Visitors can climb 459 stone steps to the summit of the huge rock, La Gran Piedra, and stand 4,049ft (1.234m) above sea level for a beautiful view. It is said that on a dark night one can see the lights of Jamaica.
The local citadel of San Pedro de la Roca is also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "the most complete, best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture, based on Italian and Renaissance design principles". Comunidad Artistas Oasis, and then there is also an Auto Museum featuring gleaming old model cars.
Santiago de Cuba city is something else without its annual carnival, which is really a festive outdoor activity- the greatest in the world. Museo Del Carnival is dedicated to the carnival in July and depicts its history. If you were in Santiago de Cuba city in July then you'd love this hot, steamy Rio style procession that dates back to the 17th century.
Cuba Hotels are unique, postmodern high-rise, a mass of blue, red, and gray steel girders and glass. It is the largest hotel in Santiago de Cuba city and easily it's most luxurious. It has facilities and services in spades, including the best outdoor pool in Santiago de Cuba city - the cost of the hotel is nearly worth it for the pool alone. Nightlife of Santiago de Cuba city is represented by cabaret show in atmospheric Santiago Cafés which are an indoor reconstruction of a miniature colonial city.
Guarded by the castle of San Pedro del Morro, in the shadow of the Sierra Maestra mountain range the hot second Santiago de Cuba city is surrounded by mountains and bordering one of the country's most stunning nature reserves, Baconao National park. This region is really of unspoiled beauty. Santiago de Cuba city after all, was declared a 'National Hero City' in recognition of its decisive participation in the struggle for independence, remaining the cradle of the Cuban revolution.
The combination of the wonderful friendly people, their humor and hospitality, the laid back atmosphere and the beautiful Caribbean sun make it easy to see why Santiago de Cuba city is often referred to as Cuba's most Caribbean one. Santiago de Cuba city is an ideal destination for those seeking more than just a beach holiday.