Uneac

Bayamo


You can catch heartfelt boleros (danceable Cuban ballads)on the flowery patio here in the former home of disgraced first president Tomás Estrada Palma, the man invariably blamed for handing Guantánamo to the yanquis (Yankees).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bayamo attractions

1. Casa de Estrada Palma

Cuba's first post-independence president, Tomás Estrada Palma, was born here in 1835. One-time friend of José Martí, Estrada Palma was disgraced post…

2. Ventana de Luz Vázquez

0.02 MILES

A forerunner of the national anthem, cowritten by Céspedes (and, confusingly, also called 'La Bayamesa') was first sung from here on March 27, 1851. A…

3. Paseo Bayamés

0.12 MILES

Bayamo's main shopping street was pedestrianized in the 1990s and reconfigured with benches and funky artwork. At its southern end you'll find wax museum…

4. Museo de Cera

0.16 MILES

The tiny Museo de Cera, Bayamo’s diminutive version of Madame Tussauds, has convincing waxworks of Cuban personalities such as Polo Montañez, Benny Moré…

6. Parque Céspedes

0.19 MILES

One of Cuba's leafiest squares, Bayamo's central meeting point is surrounded by pedestrian-only streets, making it a rare and peaceful spot. In addition…

7. Ayuntamiento

0.2 MILES

In 1868 Céspedes proclaimed Cuba's independence for the first time in front of the columned Ayuntamiento.

8. Capilla de la Dolorosa

0.22 MILES

This is the one original section of Bayamo's main church to survive the 1869 fire. It sports a gilded wooden altar.