GRANMA PROVINCE

The deep tradition of rebellion in this land has its earliest manifestation in the saga starring the cacique Hatuey defender race against the rapacity of Spanish colonialism.
A son of Granma, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, deserved the epithet of "Father of the Homeland" for his important contribution to the country's independence. Already in 1956 he landed on its shores the yacht that would give name, carrying the hopes of a people tired of dictatorship and corruption. Fidel Castro, leader of the rebel expedition, ranked the province as the "Cradle of Cuban Nationality".


The natural landscape of the region is characterized by the harmonious combination of plains and mountains. This relationship establishes one of the most significant contrasts of Cuban geography, Granma because not only brings together several of the highest peaks in the country, but one of the most extensive and uniform plains.

The main geographical feature of its territory is the Sierra Maestra, the backbone of the eastern hemisphere of Cuba. This mountain range offers a unique opportunity for ecotourism enthusiasts, given the fauna and vegetation that have led to its remarkable diversity elevation changes.



In the west of the mountain range it is situated above one of the most remarkable natural sites in the Cuban archipelago: the National Park "Landing of the Granma" (Desembarco del Granma).
The park, invested with the status of World Heritage since 1999, is the best example of marine terraces systems in the world. Thanks to the relative inaccessibility generated by the hostile conditions of its relief, its flora and fauna achieve remarkable degrees of conservation.


In addition, within it harbors there are a dozens of archaeological places, highlighting the El Guafe, a set of caves ceremonial and funeral uses during the pre-Columbian stage.



The provincial capital, Bayamo, offers visitors one of the most unique cityscapes of the country.
To this noble city distinguishes an atypical architecture, according to the canons of the prevailing colonial style in the region.

The reason for this unusual feature was a fire, started by its own inhabitants in 1869 as a symbol of rebellion against Spanish rule.

Bartolome Masó

One of the most fascinating and visited municipalities in the province of Granma, captivates visitors with its rich history and captivating natural exuberance of their environments. Its economy is based on sugarcane agriculture and sugar production, made in the homonymous center that, since 1924, has dominated the economic and social life of the region. To the southeast delves into the western foothills of the Sierra Maestra, famous for being the highest and most rugged mountains in the Cuban archipelago.



This area, the scene of bloody battles, was the heart of rebel territory during the struggle led by Fidel Castro. Among the many places that collect the echoes of this remarkable feat stand the Museum Casa Las Mercedes and La Plata Command. The first institution opened in 1983 in the homonymous community, collecting various objects and documents that belonged to Ernesto Che Guevara in his vast collection. While the other, strategic guerrilla base during the war, exposed as anywhere else living conditions and events that marked the revolutionary forces.




This exotic natural setting, beloved by enthusiasts of ecotourism, offers the possibility to enjoy its refreshing rivers and the unique charm of its fauna, jealously preserved more than 1,600 feet above sea level. The contemplation of the landscape, which differ significantly according to changes in height fascinates tourists by the uniqueness of their vegetation. Among the inhabitants of the area, always solicitous with visitors, you can see the deepest traditions of the Cuban peasantry.

Bayamo

Founded in 1513 with the name of San Salvador de Bayamo is the second village established by Diego Velázquez in Cuba. At present, it is the main industrial city in the province of Granma, with a leading role in the social and cultural development of it. Its inhabitants, marked with the symbol of rebellion, have played a key role in Cuban history. These, in the colonial threat, burned their city in 1869, one of the most heroic and altruistic acts of the independence wars. This event is evoked every year with great celebrations, from a sense local pride, drag the visitor to a sea of cheers and frenetic rhythms.
Because of the fire, which left in ruins a considerable part of the city, this does not have the typical colonial architecture of the region, which does not invalidate the remarkable socio-cultural heritage that can be seen in more than 100 historic sites indicated.




The Church of San Salvador de Bayamo, built in 1516, is one of the few buildings that survived the fire. This church building, is one of the first established in the country, is the only one that inside have a mural with patriotic thematic.






Museum birthplace Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, which exposes objects and documents representing the life of the hero of the cuban independence.







In addition, this beautiful city has the only wax museum on the island, opened in July 2004.
The pieces, modeled in polychromed wax natural size, representing great personalities of national culture as Benny Moré, Compay Segundo, Polo Montañés and Bola de Nieve "Snowball".

Manzanillo

The city of Manzanillo, founded in the late eighteenth century, is located on the banks of the Gulf of Guacanayabo, which has facilitated their economic, social and cultural growth. This geographical condition has distinctly marked throughout its history, dominated by pirates and smugglers.
In its streets, accompanied by the hypnotic rhythm are traditional and oriental legendary organ, the visitor can find a rich mix of traditions and customs of deep Cuban roots. Its historic center without departing from the architectural behavior of the region, takes a singular image, characterized by a fascinating contrast of styles.




Only for its subject is the Museum of the Workers Struggles, opened in 1982 to expose the tradition of struggle of the Cuban labor movement. Its rooms, composed of a wide range of objects, photos and documents, are dedicated to outstanding personalities in the region.






The Church of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1834 around the Central Park offers an aesthetic elegance and majesty unparalleled in ecclesiastical architecture of the area.





Finally, it is essential to visit the Old mill La Demajagua, primeval place and founding of the Cuban nation.
In its properties, on October 10, 1868, start the first cuban war of independence, which represents a fact reflected in the many pieces that adorn its halls.

Playa Marea del Portillo

The excellent Spa of the province of Granma, it’s located in a remote part of the southern coast of the province, at the foot of the always impressive Sierra Maestra, the largest mountain resort in Cuba. By the amalgamation of the green tones of the tropics, noticeable in the surrounding mountains; Turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean and the contrasting gray fine sands, the landscape of Playa Marea del Portillo is simply unbeatable.
This is an appropriate destination for lovers of quiet and nature tourism. Hence the main activities in the region are diving and hiking.





Visitors Marea del Portillo often referred to other nearby sites such as the Desembarco del Granma National Park, declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999; and the Pico Turquino National Park, where the highest elevation in Cuba.


                                                                        DESEMBARCO DEL GRANMA NATIONAL PARK                                   PICO TURQUINO NATIONAL PARK

Niquero

Is small coastal town located in the southwestern portion of the province of Granma, which is dominated by the Sugar Mill Ramirez Roberto Delgado, one of the few still active in the area. Its inhabitants, always welcoming and solicitous for the visitor, are creditors of a long fishing tradition, activity that still made with semi-artisanal and rustic methods. Like many settlements Granma Niquero is characterized by its distinctive houses of planks and the animated "Night of Cubanilla" time when the streets are closed to traffic and neighbors are occupied for dinner.





This town has among its main attractions, the Municipal Museum, an institution opened in 1981. With a remarkable variety of themes, from disparate fields such as archeology and decorative arts, this center exhibits exceptional pieces of great regional representation.








The existence of a marked history, represented in more than 60 archaeological sites and high natural values, given the marked endemism of its flora and fauna, earned him the title of World Heritage Site in 1999. From the archaeological point of view, the most interesting place is the set of ceremonial and burial caves known as the Guafe, renowned for its great idols carved stalagmites.



The most notable event that took place in the vicinity was the landing of the yacht Granma in 1956, starring Fidel and 81 of his fellow soldiers. This would define the beginning of the revolutionary strife and culminate with the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, three years later.

The Desembarco del Granma National Park, located near Niquero, in Las Coloradas Beach, is the main attraction of the area.