Moncada Barracks
Cuartel Moncada / Museo Histórico 26 de Julio
The barracks that Castro and his followers attacked in 1953, the starting point of the Cuban Revolution, with bullet holes still on its outer walls and the 26th of July Historical Museum inside.
On 26 July 1953, Fidel Castro led about 130 people in an attack on this barracks of Batista’s government army. After the attack failed, he was captured and delivered the defence speech “History Will Absolve Me.” This day marked the beginning of the Cuban Revolution. After the revolution, the barracks became a school, and part of it was turned into a museum displaying attack plans, weapons, photographs and relics of the revolutionaries. The bullet holes on the yellow outer wall have been preserved as part of the restoration. Admission is about US$5 equivalent, and it is often closed on Mondays.
Opening hours
Tue–Sat 09:00–17:00; Sun 09:00–13:00 (confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- Tumba Francesa La Caridad de Oriente
- Carnival Museum
- Emilio Bacardí Moreau Museum
- Rum Museum
- Casa de la Trova
- Parque Céspedes
- Plaza de la Revolución Antonio Maceo
- Casa de Diego Velázquez