Welcome to Auténtica Pérgola hostel

In Autentica Pergola Hostel, in Santa Clara, we rent two double rooms with private bathroom, air conditioning, fan and fridge. Our private house was fitted for the rental with a system similar to bed and breakfast, more...



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About Santa Clara

Santa Clara is a quiet inner city, 270 km from Havana. It is the capital of the province of Villa Clara, and was founded on July15, 1689. The city has the highest life expectancy of the country, over the 75 years.  The North Coast is a popular tourist destination and on the South, the city is bordered by Guamuaya, containig the Escambray mountains, as is commonly named the entire region.

Inevitably linked to the figure of Che, its story is the story of the victory of the Cuban Revolution. Late in December 1958, Che Guevara was moved from the Sierra Maestra to Havana. The then President, general Fulgencio Batista decided to send an armoured train loaded with reinforcements to Santa Clara to slow down the path of the rebels. Aware of the situation, rebels raised the tracks and made derail the train. Shortly after, the defense of the city was surrendered. Twelve hours after the taking of Santa Clara, Batista fled the country and began the Revolutionary Government.

In Santa Clara the visit is to Guevara's Mausoleum, built in the 1980s as a Memorial, recalling the decisive victory of the Argentinean. Guevara remains were eventually found in Bolivia in 1997, 30 years after his death. Once were transported to Cuba and its identity was confirmed, the Memorial of Santa Clara became in the Guevara's Mausoleum and his companions.

Beneath a spectacular statue of José Lázaro Bencomo, with the famous inscription 'To victory always', is the Museum, full of Guevara's personal effects: clothing, letters, diaries, photos... even the syringes used by him in the guerrilla field (let's not forget that Guevara was a physician). There is also the Mausoleum itself, where Che is buried along with his peers. The faces of them all (even those remains were not found) are modeled in clay on the wall.


Another site to visit is where the train was derailed by the rebels; today converted into a Museum (Tren Blindado). That train is preserved. The set was opened in 1971 and includes the own excavator used to undermine the tracks. Inside the cars there are photos and other effects associated with the battle.



But Santa Clara is not only Che Guevara. In fact, is a city with colonial past, being Park Vidal its major attraction. Park Vidal is undoubtedly the main meeting point, at any time you can see people of all ages through this square plaza surrounded by colonial and neo-classical buildings. At its center, the so-called 'Glorieta' serves stage for concerts and performances. In this Park is the bronze statue of Marta Abreu, great benefactor of the city, built in 1924.

Boulevard 1898, Pedestrian Street surrounded by shops is located not far from the park. To be a city far less frequented by tourists, it is much easier to learn about the authentic Cuban spirit. Stroll, mix with the local population and enjoy surprises that Cuba has around every corner, that’s a unique and recommended experience.