Moncada Barracks, Santiago de Cuba

Moncada Barracks, a historical military compound located in the vibrant city of Santiago de Cuba, stands as a testament to one of the most significant events in Cuban history. Now a museum, this site commemorates the daring assault led by Fidel Castro on July 26, 1953, an event that marked the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.

The barracks, named after General Guillermón Moncada, a hero of the Cuban War of Independence, were originally constructed to house Spanish troops in the late 19th century. By the mid-20th century, they served as the second most important military garrison during the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.

The attack on Moncada Barracks, although unsuccessful in its immediate objectives, became the catalyst for the revolutionary movement and is celebrated annually as the Day of National Rebellion in Cuba. Bullet holes from the battle still pockmark the building's façade, preserved to honor the memory of the revolutionaries.

In its current role as a museum, the barracks provide visitors with a deep dive into the historical context of the assault, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts from the period. Exhibits detail the planning of the attack, the lives of the revolutionaries, and the aftermath of the event that set Cuba on the path to revolution.

Visitors to the Moncada Barracks Museum can explore the former cells where captured rebels were held and tortured, now serving as poignant reminders of the struggle for Cuban independence. The museum also highlights the broader history of Santiago de Cuba, offering insights into the city's socio-political landscape throughout the 20th century.