City: Cuba
Top Things to do in Cuba
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What to do and see in Cuba, Cuba: The Best Cemeteries
Coordinates: 22°00′N 80°00′W / 22.000°N 80.000°W / 22.000; -80.000
Restaurants in Cuba
1. Tomas Acea Cemetery
2. Christopher Columbus Cemetery (Cemetario de Colon)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,069 reviews
Reviewed By WideWorldJourneys - Quebec City, Canada
My partner and I were fortunate enough that chose a day to visit when the weather was hot but not blistering. I would recommend to go either early in the morning/day or at time where the temperatures are not too high due to the fact there are not many shaded areas. We spent most of the day walking around this large a 136-acre cemetery, which really feels like an open-air museum that showcases Cuban history and architecture. We purchased a map at the cemetery entrance, which was at very little cost and really helped in finding our way around. We returned the map afterwards. I'm not sure if that was the policy but we figured we didn't need a souvenir and it would save on costs for them. From what I've heard there are guides present that you can request to give you a guided tour, if that's something you prefer. What I enjoyed most was the ambiance. Though I stood in Latin America's largest graveyard and the world's second largest, there was nothing eerie or somber about it. You can randomly choose to walk in any direction and find yourself among crypts, mausoleums, chapels vaults, and sculptures - over 500 mausoleums and 56 thousand tombs to be exact! The one sculpture that really caught my attention was the Firefighters Monument. with commemorates the 25 firefighters who lost their lives during a fire in 1890. The Colón Cemetery, named in honor of Christopher Columbus, was designed by Spanish architect Calixto de Loira during the 1870's. He is also the first person to be interred here, sadly before he could finish the project. Among the other restin here: famous artists, politicians, revolutionaries, musicians. You will not be disappointed if you allow some time to casually stroll around and experience this resting place of many important Cubans. I would visit it again in the future without a doubt! Upon leaving I commented to my partner how it would be difficult for another cemetery to impress me as much as this one. The bar was high. I have not yet visited many around the world yet but must say that anyone visiting Havana MUST take the time to visit this important historical and cultural 'landmark'. Though I am a travel professional I have no association with this location. What I've shared here is my personal observations and opinions.
3. Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 735 reviews
This cementery houses tombs for such historic notables as José Marti and Emilio Bacardi including graves from those who fought for revolution.
Reviewed By 515acej - Chicago, United States
Both Cuban heroes are buried here. Fidel’s ashes are buried inside a large rock. Every 30 minutes there is a changing of the guard ceremony well worth watching. This is a quiet landscaped cemetery with much Cuban history.
4. Cementerio aborigen de Chorro de Maita
5. Cementerio Chino
6. El Chorro de Maita Museum
7. Israeli Cemetery of the Hebrew Community of Santa Clara
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
