Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba, city in south-east Cuba, capital of Santiago de Cuba Province, on the Bay of Santiago. The deep, landlocked bay forms a natural harbour; the city, which is a major seaport, is the export centre for copper, iron, and agricultural produce from the surrounding region. Industrial establishments in the city include foundries and distilleries, as well as factories in which cigars, soap, and building materials are produced. A university is located there. The castle San Pedro de la Roca, with its surrounding complex of forts, bastions, and batteries forms a unique example of Spanish-American military architecture and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in Cuba, another World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2000, is located nearby. Santiago de Cuba was founded in 1514 by the Spanish soldier Diego Velázquez. In the 17th century the city was heavily fortified. In 1898 it was the scene of the Battle of Santiago, a decisive encounter in the Spanish-American War. On July 26, 1953, the Moncada army barracks in Santiago were the object of an abortive attack by a force under the Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro; the engagement marked the beginning of his ultimately successful revolution. Population 494,430 (2007 estimate).