Sancti Spiritus

About

Sancti Spíritus was founded in 1514 as one of Spain’s original seven villas, but moved to its present location on the Río Yayabo in 1522. As a base for the Spanish conquest of the Yucatán and seat of the influential Iznaga family, Sancti Spíritus’ prosperous colonial years bestowed the town with a wealth of charming architecture. After the Cuban Revolution, it was left largely forgotten, only getting a makeover in 2014 in celebration of its 500th birthday. Today, the town is still overlooked by tourists, which means you can enjoy its colonial architecture without the crowds and touts. Start at the Plaza Serafin Sánchez, which is surrounded by colorful buildings, and dominated not by a church, but a stunning library. From here, head south down the quiet streets, past the pastel blue Iglesia Parroquial Mayor Parish Church, to Sancti Spíritus’ iconic Puente Yayabo, a neo-Romanesque bridge over the Yayabo River.