The Best Travel Guide to Santa Clara

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Santa Clara

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Overview

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Santa Clara

The guide was updated: 2019-07-04

Santa Clara will forever be remembered as the site of the last battle of the Cuban Revolution, where Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara led a group of rebels in a mission to derail an armored train, resulting in the definitive defeat of the Batista regime. And though bullet holes still bear witness to the hardships of the revolution, today Santa Clara is a youthful and ferociously creative city, whose large student population contributes to the vibrant nightlife and artistic scenes, and forward-thinking mentality, making it a unique place in Cuba.

Facts

Population:	215,000
Currency:	Cuba uses two distinct currencies: Cuban Peso (CUP) and Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). CUP can only be used by Cubans and residents of Cuba. Visitors to the island will be doing most, if not all, of their transactions in CUC. It is technically the only currency tourists are allowed to use. Prices at most restaurants and shops will be displayed in CUC.
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 106 Ambulance: 104 Fire brigade: 105
Newspapers:	Vanguardia
Opening hours:	Most establishment in Santa Clara tend to open between 10 and 11am. Restaurants and bars can stay open late, while shops usually close in the early evening, at about 6pm.

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Section in Santa Clara

Life in Santa Clara is geographically centered around Parque Vidal, a pleasant park and square surrounded by museums, theaters and concert halls, all housed in some of the city's most beautiful buildings. Thematically, though, it revolves around Che Guevara and his role in the revolution and the battles fought here. Be sure to visit his mausoleum and the museum dedicated to his memory and struggles.

Che Guevara Mausoleum

Che Guevara Mausoleum

The legendary revolutionary's remains, along with those of a few dozens of his fellow combatants, are buried at this location, having been transported here from Bolivia during the 1990's. Idolized as he is in Cuba, Che's Mausoleum holds great symbolic importance, and it is the centerpiece of most visits to Santa Clara.

Che Guevara Museum

Che Guevara Museum

At the site of Che's Mausoleum there is also a simple but good museum dedicated to his life and struggles. Many of his personal possessions are on display, including a gun, water bottle and other artifacts, as well as an excellent photograph exhibit.

Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado

Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado

This monument commemorates the historic battle fought here by Che Guevara and a band of rebels, a decisive battle in their struggle to overturn the Batista regime. The original train cars have been in place since 1958. Visit the small museum to gain further insight into the battle and the revolution more generally.

Parque Vidal

Parque Vidal

Parque Leoncio Vidal is the city's main square and principal center of civic life. The lovely buildings that surround the square serve as public gathering points, such as the municipal library and Casa de la Cultural, while street artists and pedestrians fill the square with life.

Museo de Artes Decorativas

Museo de Artes Decorativas

Dating back to 1810, when it was a private residence, the Museo de Artes Decorativas is the oldest building in Parque Vidal. The exhibits consist of crystals, statues and other decorative items spread throughout the beautiful home's interior.

Catedral de Santa Clara de Asis

Catedral de Santa Clara de Asis

Now the city's main cathedral, it was built among a bit of controversy in the mid-20th century, as it replaced the original city church on Parque Vidal. It is home to a white statue of the Virgin Mary which was mysteriously lost for several decades, only to be found in a ditch and finally returned.

Casa de la Cultura

Casa de la Cultura

Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture) is the city's premier venue for the performing arts, hosting concerts and other shows. Performances usually start at 9pm on weekdays, and every Sunday they host a street concert at 4pm.

Teatro La Caridad

Teatro La Caridad

Another stunning building on Parque Vidal, Teatro la Caridad is Santa Clara's main theater, which dates back to 1885 and is one of the few remaining colonial theaters in the country. It is the main stage for several performing arts groups and orchestras.

Fábrica de Tabacos Constantino Pérez Carrodegua

Fábrica de Tabacos Constantino Pérez Carrodegua

Santa Clara's main tobacco factory produces some of the best cigars in the country and can be toured at a leisurely pace. The nearby shop sells the wares of the production line, as well as rums and other products.

Loma del Capiro

Loma del Capiro

Just minutes from the city center lies Loma del Capiro, a hill that offers stunning panoramic views of the city extending below. The top of the hill sports a couple of flags and metallic monument to Che Guevara.

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