Santiago De Cuba : Cuba's social struggles began

Santiago De Cuba was where Fidel Castro led his peoples revolutionary army to attack the Moncada Barracks.
There are many beautiful buildings that help make Santiago a worthwhile stop when backpacking in Cuba and it may also be a gateway for getting to the beach side destination that is fast becoming Cuba's best Backpacker paradise namely Baracoa. But visit the Cathedral and Fort in Santiago de Cuba at least.