The cemetery of Santa Ifigenia was founded in February of 1868, to the northwest of the city of Santiago de Cuba, and it was declared National Monument February 7 1937 and ratified as such by the Revolutionary Government May 20 1979. In this cemetery lies some of the personalities’ rest more valiant and illustrate of the independence wars, as well as some outstanding figures of the art and the Cuban culture.  This cemetery is home to the majestic mausoleum of the National Hero from Cuba, José Martí. The structure is true to Martí's wishes (expressed in one of his poems) that he be buried below the flag of Cuba and surrounded by roses. Besides this mausoleum there is a modest vault in a stone brought from Sierra Maestra, in which lies Fidel’s rest. Other highlights include the tombs of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the Father of Our Homeland, and those who died in the Moncada Barracks attack and a memorial to Cuban soldiers who have fallen in battle. 

This Spanish-colonial mansion was the birthplace of poet José María Heredia, who, because of his pro-independence writings, is considered Cuba's first national poet. Heredia died in 1839 at age 36 while exiled in Mexico. The house, now just a fraction of its original size, displays period furniture and some of the poet's works and belongings. The home's traditional interior patio is planted with trees and plants—including orange, myrtle, palm, and jasmine—associated with Heredia's verse. A marble plaque on the house's Calle Heredia facade excerpts one of the poet's most famous works, "Niágara".

This museum is located in the former Moncada Barracks, a military fortification which came under attack on 26 July 1953 by a group of young revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro Ruz. Moncada was the second military fort of the country, occupied by about a thousand men under the command of Fulgencio Batista. Unfortunately, the rebels were either killed or captured. Although unsuccessful, the attack ignited the sparks of Cuban Revolution. Fidel wrote his famous speech "La historia me absolverá" ("History will absolve me"), which was smuggled out of prison, printed, and distributed throughout the island. This event launched the final stage of the struggle for the country's freedom. After the victory of the revolution Moncada Barrack was transformed into a school, and a space was devoted to Museum. The museum exhibits some of the revolutionaries' personal belongings, some of the weaponry used and photographs of the historical event, as well as a valuable coin collection.

Constructed in 1516, this structure is reputed to be Cuba's oldest house one of the oldest in the Americas, although many historians now doubt that claim. Noticeable for its black-slatted balconies, it is one of Santiago's top attractions. Diego Velázquez, the Spanish conquistador who founded the city and was the island's first governor, lived upstairs. At the moment this old house works as Cuban Historical Colonial Environment's Museum, its rooms overflow with period furniture and carved woodwork and encircle­ two lovely courtyards. Inside you'll find period beds, desks, chests, and other furniture. On the first floor is a gold foundry. Memorable are the star-shape Moorish carvings on the wooden windows and balconies, and the original interior patio with its well and rain-collecting tinajón vessel. An adjacent house is filled with antiques intended to convey the French and English decorative and architectural influences—such as the radial stained glass above the courtyard doors—in the late 19th-century.