Statue of Perucho Figueredo at the Cespedes Park at the Bayamo, Cuba. Perucho Figueredo was a poet, musician and revolutionary in the 19th century. He wrote the cuban national anthem in 1867.

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Parque Céspedes

Top choice in Bayamo

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 to its friendly airs and role as the city's best outdoor music venue (orchestras regularly play here), the square is loaded with historical significance.

In 1868 Céspedes proclaimed Cuba's independence for the first time in front of the columned Ayuntamiento. The square is surrounded by grand monuments and big trees loaded with birdlife at dusk. Facing each other in the center are a bronze statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, hero of the First War of Independence, and a marble bust of Perucho Figueredo, with the lyrics of the Cuban national anthem (which he wrote), carved upon it.

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Nearby Bayamo attractions

1. Ayuntamiento

0.02 MILES

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

2. Casa Natal de Carlos Manuel de Céspedes

0.05 MILES

Birthplace of the 'father of the motherland,' this museum is where Céspedes was born (on April 18, 1819) and spent his first 12 years. Inside, Céspedes…

3. Museo Provincial

0.05 MILES

Directly next door to Céspedes' ex-home, this provincial museum completes Bayamo's historical trajectory with a yellowing city document dating from 1567…

4. Catedral de San Salvador de Bayamo

0.07 MILES

There's been a church on this site since 1514. The current edifice dates from 1740 but was devastated in the 1869 fire, so much of what you see results…

5. Capilla de la Dolorosa

0.07 MILES

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

6. Paseo Bayamés

0.08 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…

7. Ventana de Luz Vázquez

0.17 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…

8. Casa de Estrada Palma

0.19 MILES

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…

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