Parque San José

Holguín


Holguín's youngest park is also its shadiest, dominated by the Iglesia de San José. The cobbled central square is also known as Parque Céspedes, named for 'Father of the Motherland' Carlos Manuel de Céspedes – his statue stands center stage next to a monument honoring the heroes of the War of Independence.

The church, with its distinctive mezzanine floor, dome and belltower, was once used by the Independistas as a lookout tower. Locals still refer to the park by its old name, San José, or as Parque Infantil.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Holguín attractions

1. Iglesia de San José

0.03 MILES

The Iglesia de San José features a distinctive dome with a bell tower (1842), once used by the Independistas as a lookout.

2. Galería Holguín

0.04 MILES

Situated in a colonial building, the Galería Holguín displays a revolving cache of good local art.

3. Museo de Historia Provincial

0.13 MILES

Now a national monument, the building on the northern side of Parque Calixto García was constructed between 1860 and 1868 and was used as a Spanish army…

4. Casa Natal de Calixto García

0.17 MILES

To learn more about the militaristic deeds of Holguín's local hero, head to this house situated two blocks east of the namesake park. The hugely…

5. Parque Calixto García

0.18 MILES

This wide, expansive square is more about atmosphere than architecture. It was laid out in 1719 as the original Plaza de Armas and served for many years…

6. Biblioteca Alex Urquiola

0.21 MILES

In the southwestern corner of Parque Calixto García is the Biblioteca Alex Urquiola, named after a local revolutionary and housing Holguín’s biggest book…

7. Centro de Arte

0.21 MILES

In the southwestern corner of Parque Calixto García is this bright gallery, Holguín's best. It shares space with Biblioteca Alex Urquiola.

8. Museo de Historia Natural

0.26 MILES

You'll find more stuffed animals here than in a New York toy store – everything from the world's smallest frog to the world's tiniest hummingbird. There's…