• Submitted by: manso
• Travel and Tourism
• 01 / 23 / 2011

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Surrounded by low hills, Santa Clara is a young college town. It is also the spot of victory during the Cuban Revolution in 1958. Santa Clara has a deep affiliation with the notorious revolutionary commander Ché Guevara. Easy to get to on the Autopista Nacional, most travelers come to see the Ché sights, but find a diverse and colorful cultural scene and a beautiful central park. Don't miss these attractions on your Santa Clara vacation.

Parque Leoncio Vidal: Named after a colonel in the national independence army who died in a battle in this square in 1896, this charming square is the most popular park and the heart of the city. It has pristine flower beds, wrought-iron benches, and period street lamps. These lovely touches have helped it retain its original 1925 vibe. An obelisk in honor of two priests is erected here. There is also a bust of Leoncio Vidal, a fountain, and a sculpture entitled Niño de la Bota.

Memorial Ernesto Ché Guevara: Unveiled on December 28, 1988 this monument in the Plaza de la Revolución was built to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Santa Clara. It was designed by architect Jose Cao Campos and sculptor José Delarra. The comlex includes a museum and a mausoleum of Ché. The museum contains some of Ché's personal belongings and a chronological reconstruction of his life. The mausoleum contains the bodies of Ché Guevara and his comrades is the newest part of the complex. His body was found in Bolivia 30 years after his death and brought to Cuba in July 1997. The tomb is in a cave and consists of several niches with ossuaries as well as a central brazier where an eternal flame burns. An impressive bronze statute dominates the square. Beneath it, a bas-relief depicts scenes from the battle.

Teatro de la Caridad (Charity Theater): This unique museum is housed in an 18th-century mansion which belonged to the Sánchez-Iznaga family. It covers various types of architecture and illustrates the building techniques used during the Colonial period. The mansion has lovely portico with slim columns, a wrought-iron balustrade and wooden beams. They have a great collection of instruments, accessories, and building materials used during those times.

Museo de las Artes Decorativas: Dating back to 1810, this museum houses excellent 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century furniture, as well as furnishings and paintings which belonged to the local affluent families. Particularly interesting are the objects donated by the Cuban poetess, Dulce María Loynaz.

Tren Blindado Monument: On December 28, 1958, Ché Guevara conquered the city of Santa Clara with the help of about 300 others. They fought against 3000 Batista soldiers. The next day, Ché derailed an armored train that was supposed to transport more than 400 soldiers and weapons to the eastern region of Cuba to halt the advancement of rebels. Cuban sculptor José Delarra created a monument in the spot where it took place in commemoration of this event. Used to re-create the event are original elements like four wagons from the armoured trail, military plans and maps, photographs, and weapons.

Parque Tudury: Popularly known as Parque del Carmen, this square holds the Neo-Classical Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen. There is also a monument from 1951 commemorating the foundation of the city. The monument is made up of 18 columns on which the first families names are carved below a cross. It was erected around a tamarind tree on the spot where the first mass was celebrating in the new city on July 15, 1689.

This must-see list for your vacation in Santa Clara, Cuba was written by a Cuba travel expert at Cuba For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Cuba vacations.By Melissa Reichwage Platinum Quality Author.

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