Top 10 places to see history in Cuba

Don’t spend all your time in Cuba lounging on the beach. Sign up to tour the locations where Cuba’s history changed forever. Monuments of revolutions past still cast a long shadow on this island. You can see evidence of Spanish colonial rule in almost every major city, as well as fading propaganda posters promoting Castro’s government. Here are some of the most interesting destinations — they offer dramatic history in the midst of gorgeous scenery. 1. Bay of Pigs  In 1961, the CIA attempted to topple Castro’s government, and chose a beach called the Bay of Pigs as the place where they would invade from the sea. You can visit the Girón Museum to learn more about the official Cuban perspective on the invasion. The beach (known locally as “Playa Girón”) and is located inside the border of the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park. Visit the nearby lagoons for a chance to glimpse some manatees. There are several worthwhile dive sites, including Punta Perdiz and the sinkhole at Cueva de los Peces (or “Cave of the Fishes” in English). 2. Castillo de Real Fuerza  The Spanish began building Castillo de la Real Fuerza in 1558, making this fortress not just the oldest fortress in Cuba, but also the oldest colonial building in the Americas. On top of one of the watchtowers you’ll see an iconic bronze statue called La Giraldilla, which also features on the label of Havana Club rum. 3. Palacio Presidencial (Museum of the Revolution) Built in the early 20^th-century, this grand building has a hall that takes its architectural cues from Versailles. As the President’s Palace, this palace last served as a home for Fulgencio Battista, Castro’s nemesis. Outside the palace you can see a memorial to the Granma, the ship that Castro used to initiate his revolution. Inside the museum you’ll find exhibits that cover history from the pre-Columbian era to the present, with a distinctly pro-Castro spin. 4. Che Guevara Cultural Memorial and Museum The Che Guevara Memorial is in Santa Clara, which is the city where the last battle of Castro’s revolution took place. Che Guevara was the general leading the troops that finally defeated Battista’s army. Visit the museum to see exhibits about Guevara’s life. This memorial also includes a mausoleum where the Guevara’s remains have been interred. 5. Hemingway Musuem (Finca Vigía) Hemingway lived at this colonial-style home from 1940 to 1960. You can admire the interiors from the outside – it has been maintained to look as it did when Hemingway lived there. You’ll see the heads of animals that Hemingway hunted mounted on the walls, and the books and magazines that he loved lining the bookcases. 6. Trinidad Spanish conquistador Diego de Velázquez founded Trinidad in 1514. It is one of Cuba’s most idyllic cities, with pastel-colored buildings that have been restored to their colonial glory. Cobblestone streets and the view from the History Museum make this a lovely, nostalgic spot. 7. Paradise Cave Archaeological Museum in Baracoa You can see remnants of the oldest culture in Cuba at the Paradise Cave Archaeological Museum, in the town of Baracoa. Before the Spanish came, Cuba was home to an indigenous people called the Taíno. Inside the cave you can see skeletal remains, displayed in the midst of stalactites and stalagmites. There are also exhibits of Taíno sculptures, jewelry, and ceramics. 8. La Comandancia de la Plata Venture inside Pico Turquino National Park —home of Cuba’s tallest mountain — to see La Comandancia de la Plata, a cluster of cabins that served as Castro’s hideout, beginning in 1958. The preserved buildings include a hospital, as well as some of the huts where Castro, Che Guevara, and the rest of the rebel forces hid from Battista. 9. Moncada Military Barracks On July 26, 1953, Cuba’s rebel forces laid siege to the The Moncada Military Barracks, and began the slow dismantling of Battista’s government. Since taking power, Castro has declared July 26 an important federal holiday. The Moncada Barracks now serve as a school. While you’re here you can visit the Museo Histórico 26 de Julio, and see artifacts related to the attack. 10. El Morro Historic Park El Morro Historic Park is located just outside of the city of Santiago. From the 1800s to the 1960s this building served as a prison. It was originally build in the 16^th century, and still has some of the cannons from the days when it served as a fort. Climb the stairs to the Morro Lighthouse for a lovely view of the Sierra Maestra. Zach Smith is CEO of Anywhere. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.