The towers
Domes above the roofs.
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The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, also called Santiago de Cuba Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral and minor basilica in eastern Cuba, fronting Céspedes Park in the heart of the city. Domes top its two towers, with a large angel on the front between them. It is the landmark of the main square and the first thing visitors see on reaching the centre. The first church in Santiago went up in 1514, at the start of Spanish colonisation, a small rough chapel on a hill dedicated to Saint Catherine. In 1522 Pope Adrian VI raised it to a cathedral. Earthquakes destroyed it repeatedly, in 1678, 1766, 1852 and 1932. It became a minor basilica on 15 February 1882 and a national monument of Cuba in 1958. Steps climb to it from the square, and you see a broad front with columns, arched windows and two marble statues in niches. From the side the towers open out above red roofs and streets falling towards the bay. Around the park before it are old buildings with long arcades, black lamps and a monument to Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. It is about 7 km from Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca in a straight line. This is a place of worship, so dress modestly, avoid service times and ask about opening hours. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Cuba because of fuel, power and water shortages, so read the current advice before you plan. It also says electricity and water remain severely affected in the east after Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Domes above the roofs.
On top of the front.
Lamps and long arcades.
Céspedes Park, central Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Repeated earthquakes destroyed it, the last in 1932.
Usually yes at set hours, outside services, so ask at the door.