Best Travel Guide Santa Clara | ArrivalGuides.com

Santa ClaraGuide was updated: 2022-12-02

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 armoured 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 a forward-thinking mentality, making it a unique place in Cuba.

Do & See

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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