Santiago de Cuba is known as the most Caribbean city in Cuba. Province and capital with the same name, where history, culture and tradition come together. Santiago de Cuba borders Holguin to the north, west of Granma province, east of Guantanamo and south with the Caribbean Sea. It is the second most populated city on the island with approximately 1 022 105 inhabitants. 

Santiago de Cuba is surrounded by the Sierra Maestra Mountains, highest on the island and the largest river in Cuba. Santiago de Cuba is full of hilly streets.

Santiago de Cuba is called the “Hero City of the Republic of Cuba” in recognition to the contribution of the city to the wars of liberation.  Like in no other part of Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is full of rich mixtures of races and cultures. Music is an essential component of the spirit of the people from Santiago. This city has been the birthplace of important musicians and musical genres with international fame in the field: Santiago is recognized for its conga, son, bolero and the trova movement with its most distinguished founder Jose Pepe Sanchez. Santiago is also famous for its carnivals and internationally recognized Caribbean Festival.

Of the first settlements of 17th century left are only vestiges. Until the 18th century, Santiago de Cuba was looted, set fire to, exposed to nature’s weather like earthquakes and hurricanes. This is how a new constructive system was born, where the Moslem and Andalucia style took over with beautiful balconies, windows, interior patios, gorgeous facades which make Santiago stand out with its beauty.
In the later years, other styles were incorporated into the city like: neoclassic, baroque, eclectic, all represented in its buildings. We cannot forget its curved streets which abruptly interrupts and open ways to alleyways, stairways or an intersection of a corner breaking urban symmetric of all times.