Santiago, the original capital of Cuba, was founded in 1514, and
is today the centre of the province of Santiago de Cuba in the
southeast of the island, 485 miles (780km) from the present capital
city, Havana.
One of the most picturesque cities in Cuba, it is notriously
hilly with sloping streets, nestled between the coast and the
Sierra Maestra mountain range. Santiago boasts a number of
monuments and museums associated with Cuba's long struggle for
national independence. The city also claims to boast the oldest
home in the Americas, the Casa de Diego Velazquez, the residence of
the Spanish governor of old, which is a highlight of the city's
historic quarter. Santiago is a diverse city, with many population
groups, often in quite distinct neighbourhoods, including the
French-Haitian district of Tivoli.
The city is known for its annual carnival, which is actually
bigger and more riotous than Havana's version (it did come first,
after all). It is also blessed with closely situated natural
wonders, including the 80,000 hectare (197,684 acre) Baconao Park,
which begins in the city and ends in the lagoon of the same
name.
Santiago de Cuba is climatically the hottest part of Cuba, with
average temperatures of 90°F (32°C), so visitors should go prepared
for heat, especially in the summer months.