Cuba /Aug 26, 2016
Although often referred to as the Morro Castle, the correct name of Santiago de Cuba’s iconic castle is San Pedro de la Roca.
Santiago de Cuba is the island’s second largest city, and one-time capital, and construction of the Morro Castle (a Morro is a rocky promontory) commenced in 1638 to defend the narrow entrance to Santiago de Cuba Bay from foreign powers as well as marauding pirates.
Much of the coastline along this stretch of Cuba’s coastline is distinguished by its steep cliffs (a far cry from the sandy, white beaches of the north coast) and nowhere is this more apparent than at the Morro Castle which is built directly into the side of the cliff over a number of levels, each linked to the other by a series of stairways.
On the very lowest level, barely above the highest level of the sea, is a fortified gun platform while the very top level is known as the Santísima Trinidad Platform. Although the Morro Castle was originally built in the 17th century, additions and improvements were made on an ongoing basis, but especially in the 19th century.
|
|
|
 |
Beyond The Ordinary arrange fully bonded, tailor made holidays and tours to Cuba. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website. |
|
|
|
The Morro Castle ceased to be actively used at the very end of the 19th century and was largely unused for the entire first half of the 20th century before restoration work began in the 1960s. As a testament to the castle’s historical importance, and its status as one of the best preserved examples of Spanish – American castle architecture, in 1997 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of several in Cuba.
Most city tours of Santiago de Cuba will include the Morro Castle on their itinerary although, for those who prefer to travel independently, it’s less than 20 minutes by taxi from the city centre and close to the airport.
Depending on what time of day one visits, a popular option is to visit the castle and then head across to Cayo Granma by boat for lunch.
Cayo Granma
Starting and finishing in Holguin in eastern Cuba, this suggested, week-long private tour takes in the key highlights of eastern Cuba, combining both city and countryside with the option, at the end, of extending your holiday at one of Cuba’s beautiful beaches.
This fully flexible, 14 night private tour takes in the length of the island and includes visits to many of the key destinations associated with the Cuba Revolution.
Enjoy a private Cuba tour with your own driver / guide. This 10 night itinerary takes in the highlights of western Cuba but is only a small taste of what we can offer.
Located some 20kms from Santiago de Cuba in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Maestre, El Cobre is Cuba’s most important pilgrimage site.
La Gran Piedra is a vast, near 70,000 tonne boulder located high in the hills, a short drive east of Santiago de Cuba.
The Moncada Barracks are located in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba and, for many people, are where the Cuban Revolution began.
When making your travel arrangements, we understand just how important peace-of-mind is. Beyond The Ordinary hold both ATOL & ABTOT bonds so whether you book your flights through us, or independently, any money you pay us is 100% protected. More detailed information on Financial Protection can be found by clicking here.
Whichever of our featured countries you wish to visit, we've been there several times. So, if you're after something beyond the ordinary to Cuba, Nicaragua, Guatemala or the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, we'd love to hear from you.
