Baracoa City is situated on a bay close to the eastern tip of the island of Cuba where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Baracoa was the first villa founded by Diego Velazquez in 1512. Its name has an Araucan origin and it means existence of sea. Its church preserves the Cruz de la Parra (Cross from La Parra), the first Christian symbol found in the island. The fact that this was an important Spanish outpost is evidenced by the three impressive forts: Fuerte Matachin, now housing the municipal museum; Fuerte de la Punta, now refitted with a restaurant; and El Castillo de Seboruco, which is now a pleasant hotel. This paradise -city, unique in the island, is discernible by the Yunque, a meseta that can be seen from several points.

The impressive plaza Mariana Grajales Square was opened in 1985, becoming part of a sculptoric complex greatly recognized by architects, sculptors and other specialists. The construction is dedicated to one of the women who fought in the independence achievements and has become a symbol of the Cuban women. This area is used in the massive demonstrations which take place every 1st May in the city. There is also a confluence of different art manifestations. In the underground area there are three conference rooms and the administrative offices, linked by interior patios that enrich them visually and allow a constant transparency among the rooms and other open chambers by means of wide crystal windows. On your walk through the square you will have the chance of admiring one of the most relevant monuments of the city of Guantánamo, the Heroes Monument, to commemorate the Frontier Brigade which defended socialism.

Santa Catalina Church was founded at the beginning of the 19th century by French colonists who fled from the slave rebellion in Haiti. It has a transcendal importance for the city; it was built next to José Martí Park, the busiest place of the city. It is said that it is the smallest cathedral in the world.

The Parque José Martí (José Martí Park), located in front of the Iglesia de Santa Catalina de Riccis Church, is one of the most outstanding spaces in the city of Guantánamo.  Also known as Central Park, on its beginning it was named Weapons Square, because it was the place where the Spanish army did their military exercises. At the beginning of the 20th century started to be sowed different plants which, bit by bit, transformed the square into a park. The park, along the decades has been suffering different transformations, among which stand out the statue of the Major General Pedro A. Pérez in 1930, and the built of the known shell and a fountain raised for the plays of the Municipal Band, with half underground public restrooms, and which is standing since the middle of the 50s. At one side of the church is set up the “Martian corner”, made by a monumental seated figure of José Martí, in honour of the Apostle. Have a walk by the beautiful square and its surroundings and enjoy the cultural, political and commercial life revolving around the beautiful square.