Sancti Spiritus, one of Cuba 's oldest cities , is located in the heart of the island and is known for its charming beauty, blending ancient features with modern vitality. Founded in 1514, Sancti Spiritus is not only an ideal stopover for tourists but also a place to preserve many precious cultural heritages.
About the city of Sancti Spiritus Cuba
Sancti Spiritus, located in central Cuba, is one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in 1514. With its strategic location on the banks of the Yayabo River, the city has not only played an important role in history but also served as an economic and cultural center of the region. Known for its rich colonial architecture, Sancti Spiritus bears a strong historical imprint, as evidenced by buildings such as the Parroquial Mayor church and the Yayabo Bridge, the city's symbol.
Sancti Spiritus City, Cuba. Photo: @tripcuba.org
The natural landscape surrounding Sancti Spiritus is also very attractive with lush green fields and majestic mountains. It is famous for its rich and diverse culture, from cuisine to music and art. The people here are very friendly and hospitable, creating a warm atmosphere for visitors when they come to visit. Cultural festivals, such as street festivals and music performances, often take place, attracting both locals and tourists from all over the world.
In addition, Sancti Spiritus is also an ideal starting point for tours to other famous places in the area such as Valle de los Ingenios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a combination of history, culture and nature, Sancti Spiritus promises to bring visitors wonderful and unforgettable experiences when discovering the unique beauty of Cuba.
People here are very hospitable. Photo: @yulilahera0410Transportation to Sancti Spiritus
To get to the city of Sancti Spiritus , visitors can use many different means of transportation, depending on their starting location and personal preferences.
Plane: The most convenient way to get to Cuba is to fly into José Martí International Airport in La Habana, from where you can use other means of transport to get to Sancti Spiritus. From La Habana, there are domestic flights to Sancti Spiritus Airport (SNU) or airports in nearby cities such as Santa Clara, from where you can catch a taxi or bus into the city.
Bus: If you prefer to travel by road, bus companies such as Viazul and Astro offer transportation from Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, and many other cities to Sancti Spiritus. Bus journeys are generally safe and comfortable, and allow you to admire the beautiful scenery of the country as you travel.
Car: Renting a car is a great option for those who want to explore Cuba at their own pace. From La Habana, visitors can drive east along the main Autopista Nacional, which takes about 4-5 hours to reach Sancti Spiritus. Driving also allows for interesting stops along the way.
Taxi: Visitors can also choose to take a taxi from nearby major cities to Sancti Spiritus. This is a quick and convenient option, especially for groups of travelers. However, taxi fares can be higher than other means of transport.
Train: Some trains from Havana also go to Sancti Spiritus, but these services are not as common and are not as regularly maintained as the buses, so it is important to check schedules before traveling.
In short, Sancti Spiritus has a variety of transportation options to meet the needs of visitors from different regions of Cuba, making it easy for them to explore the unique beauty and culture of this city.
Photo: @tayzerquera
Best time to visit Sancti Spiritus city
Sancti Spiritus, like many other places in Cuba, has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The best time to visit the city is usually between November and April.
Dry season (November - April): This is the ideal time to explore Sancti Spiritus when the weather is dry and cool, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. This is also the peak tourist season with many festivals and cultural events taking place, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the unique cultural beauty of the locality.
Rainy season (May - October): The rainy season in Sancti Spiritus usually starts in May and lasts until October. Although there may be occasional showers, temperatures remain high and can reach up to 32°C. If you choose to visit during this time, be prepared for rain and heat. However, typhoons can occur between August and September, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
So, if you want to enjoy pleasant weather and participate in rich cultural activities, the period from November to April is the optimal choice to visit the city of Sancti Spiritus.
You should come here in the dry season. Photo: @_goodmorningworldblogGreat things to do in Sancti Spiritus
Tham quan Open Bridge
Puente Yayabo, one of Cuba's most famous bridges, was built by the Spanish between 1817 and 1831 and has been a National Monument since 1995. Puente Yayabo spans the Rio Yayabo just a few blocks south of the town center of Sancti Spiritus. Because the river is often slow at this point (especially during the dry season, Cuba's peak season from November to April), many portraits of Puente Yayabo focus on its mirror-like reflection.
The terrace of Taberna Yayabo is probably the best spot to take photos of the bridge while also relaxing with a refreshing drink. If you want to know more about the history of a place, one of the legends surrounding Puente Yayabo is that it owes its longevity and overall resilience to the addition of cow’s milk to the mortar during the bonding process!
Puente Yayabo Bridge. Photo: @tripcuba.org
Come to Casa de la Trova in Sancti Spiritus – The House of Music!
Casa de la Trova House is a great place to enjoy a good drink while listening to the best Cuban music. The building was given to the public for cultural enjoyment, eventually becoming what it is today: a meeting, gathering and entertainment center for buskers. It is fun to listen and dance to the music. Drinks are quite affordable. It is a great place to hang out with friends or meet new people. Casa de la Trova House first opened its doors to the public in 1974. Many initiatives have expanded and supported the city's musical development, which is an essential aspect of the city's identity. Casa de la Trova House is also a museum with a collection of national and local recordings and artifacts of high cultural and decorative value.
Casa de la Trova house. Photo: @sscallesyrinconesblogspotVisit the Mayor of the Iglesia Parroquial del Espíritu Santo
Turn left into the blue Iglesia Parroquial del Espiritu Santo Mayor. This church can be seen from almost everywhere in the city of Sancti Spiritus .
The Iglesia Parroquial Mayor is known as the oldest church in Cuba. It was originally built of wood in Pueblo Viejo, next to the Tuinicú River. Due to the expansion of the city in 1680, the church was moved to its current location and built of lime and cobblestone. Today, the church is one of the most popular attractions in Sancti Spiritus, with its Romanesque and Baroque architecture. The church was declared a National Monument in 1977.
In addition to the 103-step staircase, which is 40 meters high, there is also a chapel that was attacked by pirates in the second half of the 17th century. They stole holy vessels and other religious objects as well as the famous golden dove. (It was a golden rooster donated by Don Luis del la Corcha to decorate the main altar.)
According to a popular story, its main entrance is also known as the Gate of Forgiveness. Legend has it that an angry woman was buried here, who begged for this on her deathbed in the hope of receiving God's forgiveness one day by having visitors trample her corpse.
Mayor's House of the Iglesia Parroquial del Espíritu Santo. Photo: @cubantravelagency.org
Visit the Serafin Sanchez Birthplace Museum
The Casa Natal de Serafn Sánchez Valdivia Museum is a famous house in the Sancti Spiritus community because of its blue and white paint scheme and colonial design from 1825 to 1830. Today, the museum is housed in a one-story building that opened on November 2, 1990.
The museum has seven permanent galleries as well as one temporary gallery. The museum’s collection includes priceless artifacts from the Sánchez Valdivia family and other patriots from the War of Independence. The museum also houses a document archive with important documents related to Cuban history.
Serafin Sanchez Birthplace Museum. Photo: @umbrellatravel
With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and welcoming people, Sancti Spiritus is a must-see destination on your Cuba itinerary. Not only does it provide visitors with unforgettable memories, it also helps them better understand the country’s rich history and culture.
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