Parque Céspedes
The central square of the old town, surrounded by the cathedral, city hall, the Bellas Artes-style Velázquez House, and the Casa Grande Hotel, where Fidel announced the revolution's victory from the town hall balcony.
The park is named after Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the “Father of the Homeland,” and is the heart of social life in Santiago. The blue-and-white city hall on the north side is where Fidel Castro gave his speech announcing the victory of the revolution from the balcony on January 1, 1959. The cathedral lies on the south side, and the Velázquez House is on the west side. On the east side, the rooftop terrace of the Casa Grande Hotel offers views over the square and cathedral, and you can sip a mojito while you look. At night, musicians and street performers often gather here. Watch out for touts and hawkers.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Casa de Diego Velázquez
- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Casa de la Trova
- Emilio Bacardí Moreau Museum
- Balcón de Velázquez
- Carnival Museum
- Rum Museum
- Padre Pico Steps