Sancti Spíritus City

Sancti Spíritus City Attractions - Sancti Spíritus - Other Cities and Attractions

Sancti Spíritus was one of the original 7 Cuban cities founded by Velázquez in 1514. Its colonial origins are evident in its buildings and layout, though its capital status has lent it a more commercial atmosphere.

Historically, Sancti Spíritus has been somewhat neglected by Spanish governments as well as more recent dictatorships, and as such has been quite loyal to the various revolutions in Cuban history. During the revolution of 1959, Sancti Spíritus aided Che Guevara’s division of the rebel army with hundreds of volunteer fighters.

Sancti Spíritus doesn’t earn much tourist attention; for all its historic sites and attractions, it dims in comparison with the exquisitely preserved colonial city of Trinidad in the south. Tourists heading through the province, generally go south, enjoying the nature and wildlife, stop in Trinidad to explore the colonial sights and sounds, and then head on south to the beaches. Sancti Spíritus is therefore relatively tourist-free.

Perched on the banks of the Río Yayabo, the old town is a warren of corkscrew streets, many lined with colonial homes. Here the preferred method of transport is the coche, which is not an automobile but a horse-drawn carriage that functions as a taxi, ferrying locals to and fro; the streets are filled with as many coches as antique American autos.

The city is located just a few kilometers from Presa Zaza, the island’s largest lake. Presa Zaza is a beautiful setting and the area around it is now a pristine wetlands, home to many species of fish and and waterfoul, so much so that it is a tourist attraction for hunting.