Santiago de Cuba, (Greater Antilles) / Cuba

Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba is located in the southeast of the province of Oriente, is always a little hidden in the shadow of Havana. It is not right, because Santiago de Cuba is an important industrial and port city. 500,000 people live here. In no other place in Cuba are its Indian, African and European roots so palpable. "Cradle of Revolution", Santiago de Cuba calls itself with pride. Almost all freedom movements in Cuba had their origin in and around this city. On January 2, 1959 Fidel Castro announced the victory of the revolution from the balcony of the town hall in Santiago de Cuba.

Santiago de Cuba is also the cradle of Son, the music that evolved from the dances of slaves on the sugar cane plantations. The Santiagueros are more spirited and on the streets it is happier than in the far Havana. Unesco appointed as world cultural heritage the "El Morro" as the Castillo San Pedro de la Roca (1590) is called briefly. Also worth a visit is Cespedes Park, San Basilio (one of the oldest streets with gas lamps), the Padre Pico (famous stairs street), Granjiita Siboney (includes a museum showing the history of Cuba until the revolution).