Santiago de Cuba - interesting places to visit.

Santiago de Cuba was founded by Diego Velázquez in 1515. In the first half of the 16th century it was the country's capital city and the official residence of the Spanish rulers, until 1553 when the powers were transferred to Havana. In order to protect the city from the attacks of corsairs and pirates, in 1633 the Spanish authorities started building a defensive system of which the Morro Castle and the cannon pieces of La Socapa and La Estrella have lasted to our days.

The city is surrounded by the Sierra Maestra mountains and has a particular topography with narrow streets rendering this city a special atmosphere. Colonial houses with wooden or iron balconies of fanciful designs are still preserved. Padre Pico Street is outstanding for its steeped steps. The former Colonial Square of Arms, currently Céspedes Park, is located at the center of the town, and surrounded by relevant buildings as the Cathedral, the Museum of the Cuban Historical Ambience, the Town Hall and the