A definite must visit if you go to Santiago de Cuba(This fort is a UNESCO world heritage site for a reason). It's one of the largest forts I have been to in the Caribbean with many levels, stunning views of the Caribbean, and generally a lot to see. You can actually climb all the way down to the sea ( don't do this in the middle of the day because it's super hot here). I would recommend bringing water as their isn't much shade and it can get super hot.

Costs 100 Cuban Pesos for foreigners, 250 if you want permission to take pics with your phone. Cool place with great views. Take the stairs down to get better views to yourself. Idk where people got the $9 USD info from.

Beautiful but extremely hot! The whole place is actually quite Big but the exposition inside is unfortunately not impressive! Also choose wisely when you wanna go there cause the afternoon in the summer is not possible or you gonna feel like a meat on a frying pan! Good advice take a Big bottle of water and a hat with you! Beside that it’s a great spot for a photo with a marvellous and literally panoramic view! A bit beneath the main entrance you gonna find a lovely restaurant with as well a spectacular view and some gift shops and a picturesque Light House.

Never enough time to see the whole place!. This location has much to see, I would suggest to have your own way there. Cause tours do not give your enough time there for a person to see all interesting levels it has. I found it very clean and well organized. One will need to pay 5cuc to take pictures.

Wonderfully restored and maintained. This is a good example of the theory of self defense in the era that it was built. Donald Trump is still trying the same approach with his stupid wall.

Loved the castle. I would of loved more time to explore as that is why I took the excursion. We however were given only 10 minutes after the tour guide took us into three rooms to talk about famous pirates back then. Sadly this was what I wanted on my trip. I got separated from the group as we all dispersed .. DO NOT let anyone who seems to work there attempt to take your photo.. they will charge you for your own camera shot. If ANYONE starts trying to give you a "tour" to explain rooms..you WILL need to tip them. And as you leave castle they want .more tips. I avoided this one as he was not dressed in any uniform. Just local wear. Their is a restaurant, and a bunch of tourist souvenir vendors set up on path just before it. Great views.. I still want more time.

Thar is nice ceramony every evening 21:00 a demonstration of the soldiers of this castilo shutting the cans

Amazing old fort with a very nice view.

Each time I'm in this place, it's an experience of its own. Relaxing, nostalgic, fun and great for people watching. Be ware of peddlers asking for spare change or other favors.

It was a nice place to visit... Very safe... They had Valentine's day events here.

The square is kept very clean. The surrounding buildings have been restored & it is well lit at night. A lovely spot to sit and listen to musicians in the evening.

Best square in Santiago de Cuba, also best WiFi signal we found in the whole of Cuba and we could actually download some podcasts on the signal. We spent a few afternoons siting in the Casa Grande terrace drinking slightly inflated crystal beer. Good place to people watch but a lot of beggars come round the park in the evening and some are quite persistent.

Incredible place to walk and explore full of cuban people with lot of Cuban Guaguanco, and also there is so many coffe shops and the famous Bodeguita del Medio near by this park!!👌🏼

In Céspedes Park, people of all ages meet and you can hear scraps of conversations and laughter everywhere. All kinds of initiatives are performed, like cultural, social or political, where a good number of people use to participate. Another very attractive activity that gathers to numerous public is the execution of the traditional danzon by musicians from other decade who still reminds a time in which those rhythms used to permeate the Cuban air. Structurally, the park has an ample square-tiled floor whose entry is in a wall with functional grilles that can be used as benches. Locals use to sit there and rest for a while of the intense heat from the Caribbean sun. On the other side, if you decide to opt for a stroll, the large garden is divided into four parcels through two narrow tracks strategically located, both in horizontal and vertical, that allows to comfortably the whole square. In the middle of the square, you can see a magnificent bust in bronze of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the landowner who started in 1868 the struggle for the Cuban Independence.

The square has nice buildings but the air is full of exhaust gasses. Also quite unsafe due to the large amount of beggars, pickpockets and scammers.

Interesting building with visible impacts of the bullits shot by the revolutionaries when they tried to besiege it. Largely accepted to be the start of the Cuban revolution. Actually a museum wich was under renovation when I was there.

Actually is a school.But many years ago it was a military cuartel.History can be seen in the aftermath of the shooting of July 26, 1956, when Cubans fought for a better future, free from Spain.

The history of the assault on the Moncada barracks, as it is told in Cuba, contains many falsehoods. Fidel Castro did not get to participate directly in the action, supposedly because he was lost. He also did not fire a single shot and therefore flatly refused to be tested with paraffin because he feared losing his leadership image. The 1953 bullet holes were made with a 30-caliber machine gun by an army sergeant against a group of sheltered assailants. They were covered that same year and the walls repainted but in 1973 holes were made with tools based on photographs from 1953. Tourists with little or no knowledge of Cuban history are captivated by a propaganda full of myths. Many Cubans also do not know the true history of that assault.

A good historical site to visit in Santiago, but be aware of hustlers. Even the security guards at the entree could come up to you explain two sentences and then ask (claim) for money. If you don't like that, just say 'no gracias' and look at the place from outside (it's fairly good visible).

So wiki uses all its info from the memoirs of fidel. My grandfather was there the night the communists attacked. Fidel never showed up till the fighting was over. My grandfather was a major stationed there. He was captured once the ammo had run out an most pro democracy soldiers were killed or captured.. the communiat soldiers had entered during a festival where all the gates were open. It was a blood bath. Wiki an goin to cuba will only give u the fake communist side of the story.

Fantastic ! I visited it twice. The first time I went through without a guide, the second time, more slowly with an English speaking guide. A very knowledgeable lady who knew so much about the History. Really worthwhile to have a guide and on e of the highlights of my trip.

Fidel Castro was arrested here in 1953 for his armed assault on this army barracks. Check out the bullet holes in the building elevations above the steps in some of the photos.

Small, but informative museum of Cuba's revolutionary history. Lots of pictures, clothing, and weapons used in the uprisings.

Beautiful place.

(Translated by Google) La Gran Piedra, located in Baconao Park, is one of the most impressive experiences in Cuba. Its name is due to a huge granite rock, which weighs about 63,000 tons and is located at the top of the mountain, offering a spectacular panoramic view. The excursion will begin in Santiago de Cuba, at your accommodation you will be picked up by a Jeep prepared for this type of journey and where we will enter a lush and mountainous landscape. During the ascent, fresh air and exotic vegetation surrounded us, creating a magical atmosphere. The journey will be challenging but exciting. Once at the top, you will be amazed by the beauty that will unfold before your eyes. The panoramic view was simply impressive: green mountains stretching as far as the eye could see, a sea of ​​clouds sliding across the valley and the sound of nature at its finest. A gift for the senses! (Original) La Gran Piedra, ubicada en el Parque Baconao, es una de las experiencias más impresionantes de Cuba. Su nombre se debe a una enorme roca de granito, la cual pesa cerca de 63000 toneladas y se encuentra en la cima de la montaña, ofreciendo una vista panorámica espectacular. La excursión comenzará en Santiago de Cuba, en su alojamiento lo recogerá un Jeep preparado para este tipo de trayecto y donde nos adentramos en un paisaje exuberante y montañoso. Durante el ascenso, el aire fresco y la vegetación exótica nos rodeaban, creando una atmósfera mágica. El trayecto será desafiante pero emocionante. Una vez en la cima, quedarás asombrado por la belleza que se desplegará ante tus ojos. La panorámica, simplemente impresionante: montañas verdes que se extienden hasta donde alcanzaba la vista, un mar de nubes que se deslizaba por el valle y el sonido de la naturaleza en su máxima expresión. ¡Un regalo para los sentidos!

(Translated by Google) It's a fantastic place, I went on my motorcycle. Rich temperature and an environment of ferns, pine forests and other trees along the entire road, they are dangerous hills for all types of vehicles. It is approximately 15 kilometers to reach the Great Stone, going up and down hills or going around the hills. You have to have good brakes and a lot of caution, it is a very lonely road with little or almost no traffic. There is a cafeteria at the base of the place and before starting to climb the stone you must climb several steps with railings and beautiful views in cold weather and the clouds pass nearby that collide with you and you begin to have a dimension of the city of Santiago. To climb the stone there is a staircase and at the top there is a view of the city of Santiago de Cuba and the sea. It is an inexplicable feeling to be in that place. Very beautiful photos that come out and a rich cold and fresh air. The clouds are close and pass there at that height of the stone. I recommend the site. I would visit it again. It is very visited by foreigners and Cubans. It is open 24 hours to the public. (Original) Es un lugar fantástico, fui en mi moto. Rica temperatura y un ambiente de helechos, bosques de pinos y otros árboles en toda su carretera, son lomas peligrosas para todo tipo de vehículos son unos 15 kilómetros aproximadamente para llegar a la Gran Piedra subiendo y bajando lomas o dándole vueltas a las lomas. Hay que tener buenos frenos y mucha precaución, es una carretera muy solitaria y de poco tránsito o casi nulo. Hay una cafetería ya en la base del lugar y antes de comenzar a escalar la piedra debes subir varios escalones con barandas y lindas vistas con clima frío y pasan las nubes cerca que te chocan y se empieza a tener una dimensión de la ciudad de Santiago. Para subir la piedra hay una escalera y arriba hay una vista a la ciudad de Santiago de Cuba y al mar. Es una sensación inexplicable estar en ese sitio. Fotos muy hermosas que salen y un rico aire frío y fresco. Las nubes están cerca y pasan ahí en esa altura de la piedra. Recomiendo el sitio. Yo volvería a visitarlo nuevamente. Es muy visitado por extranjeros y cubanos. Está abierto 24 horas al público.

(Translated by Google) This is a particularly memorable part of my trip to eastern Cuba. We took a taxi from downtown Santiago de Cuba. After getting off the car at the parking lot at the top of the mountain and walking up the long narrow mountain path, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the bottom of the boulder. You will be overwhelmed by its size. Climbing a narrow ladder that stuck to the rock surface opened up my view, and I was greeted with a spectacular 360-degree view of the green mountains and sky as far as I could see, and the clouds floating in front of me. Me emocionó la vista desde la cima de la gran piedra🤩 Después de vivir en cuba por más que 5 años, aquí se me quedó como uno de los lugares más inolvidables en la isla. (Original) キューバ東部の旅で特に思い出深い場所です。サンチアゴデクーバ市街地からタクシーで行きました。山頂の駐車場で車を降りて細長い山道を分け入り徒歩で登ること約１０分で巨石の真下に到着。その大きさに圧倒されます。岩肌に張り付くように設置された細い梯子を登ると視界が開き、３６０度見渡す限り山脈の緑と空が広がる絶景、目の前にはちぎれ雲が浮かんでいました。 Me emocionó la vista desde la cima de la gran piedra🤩 Después de vivir en cuba por más que 5 años, aquí se me quedó como uno de los lugares más inolvidables en la isla.

(Translated by Google) The Great Stone was a tremendous experience, the climate was pleasant, the climb was not complicated, it is true that it is a staircase with approximately 450 steps; But it is worth climbing it to enjoy the incredible view that the top of the great stone offers us, not to mention that it is one of the largest rocks in the world, it represents a visit to an unrepeatable place. (Original) La Gran Piedra fue una experiencia tremenda, el clima agradable, la subida nada complicada, es verdad que es un escalera de aproximadamente 450 escalones; pero vale la pena subirla par disfrutar de la increíble vista que nos ofrece la cima de la gran piedra, sin contar que es una de las rocas más grandes del mundo, representa una visita a un lugar irrepetible.

(Translated by Google) A brief but intense climb of stairs to contemplate spectacular views (Original) Una breve pero intensa subida de escaleras para contemplar unas vistas espectaculares

(Translated by Google) It is one of the most beautiful places in all of Santiago de Cuba, a mandatory visit, you can drive to the base of the large stone, and then climb a few hundred steps that will lead you to a large stone that rests on the top of the mountain, the view from above is incredible, children can go there perfectly. (Original) Es uno de los lugares más bonitos de todo Santiago de Cuba, visita obligatoria, se puede ir en coche hasta la base de la gran piedra, y a continuación hacer una subida de unos cuantos cientos de escalones que te conducirán hacía una gran piedra que reposa en la cima de la montaña, la vista desde arriba es increíble, pueden ir niños perfectamente.

(Translated by Google) I really liked this visit, the route was pleasant, the place was very cool with peculiar vegetation and spectacular views. (Original) Me gustó mucho esta visita, la ruta fue agradable, el sitio muy fresco con una vegetación peculiar y unas vistas espectaculares.

It was a neat place to see the different period furniture, the different makers of the furniture as the periods change. I would suggest to give your self a good two hours being there. Even though it is a small house, I could have spend three hours checking out the futures the furniture had. Very clean about 2cuc for the entry, 5cuc to take photos, the Cuban ladies know more French then English if you want play by play information. I would brush up on the Spanish.

Interessante Museum. Um die Revolution kommt man nie herum. Aber sie gehört zu Cuba dazu und wird von vielen Cubanern sehr stark verteidigt. (Translated by Google) Interesting museum. You can never avoid the revolution. But it is part of Cuba and is defended very strongly by many Cubans.

The experience was fast as the lightning, no customer service at all. It costs 6 CUP to Cubans, while 100 CUP to foreigners. No one will guide you there, they are just sitting in their corners doing nothing. What is considered to be the oldest house in all America, has many repairs with new ceiling wood and windows. The overall experience is satisfying, just that.

It's a beautiful house, considered to be one of the oldest in Santiago. The only downside is that as a Westerner you might get chased down by staff in every room who all want to give you "tours" (which could be better described as a rushed run-through the room, listing which country the pieces of furniture are from) for extra money. It's hard to properly see/enjoy the exhibits and you might end up feeling harassed (same as on the street). I understand that everyone needs money and that travellers are seen as cash machines on legs, but sometimes you just want to rest from it all and just enjoy the country and its history...and this won't be the place to do it in peace.

This is the oldest house in Cuba and one of the oldest in America continent. You will be able to see how the Arabian styles where imported to America and Cuba through the conquers. There are also ruins of an ancient gold oven that were used to create gold ingots.

Nice museum and worth your time and money. Ask someone to give you info about this place because it has some secretes. Next to stairs on second floor you'll find an old table. Pull 2 block's which are looked like a book and you'll find a secret box:)

Unbedingt besuchen (Translated by Google) Definitely visit