Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This cementery houses tombs for such historic notables as José Marti and Emilio Bacardi including graves from those who fought for revolution.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
65 within 3 miles
Attractions
28 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
740 reviews
Excellent
409
Very good
265
Average
59
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Rowan H
Cairns, Australia1,332 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We visited this as part of a larger tour of the peripheral sites of Santiago de cuba (Castle, Plaza de revolution, Iglesia).
There was a large military presence around the tombs of Jose Marti and Fidel Castro and we witnessed the changing of the guard which was interesting (Happens every half an hour). You aren’t allowed to walk around while the guard is being changed so be ready for that.
Inside the cemetery there is a few tombs of interest but the main draw would undoubtingly be those listed above.
It’s worth about an hour of your time.
There was a small entrance fee of ?120 peso per person.
There was a large military presence around the tombs of Jose Marti and Fidel Castro and we witnessed the changing of the guard which was interesting (Happens every half an hour). You aren’t allowed to walk around while the guard is being changed so be ready for that.
Inside the cemetery there is a few tombs of interest but the main draw would undoubtingly be those listed above.
It’s worth about an hour of your time.
There was a small entrance fee of ?120 peso per person.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Betula103
Australia7,902 contributions
Jan 2020
I was amazed how well the cemetery is maintained. We parked a short distance away and walked alongside the parkland opposite the cemetery. It was some time before we could cross the road because there was a rehearsal in progress for some ceremony which our guide said was to be held the next day. That was quite interesting because there was a brass band and military personnel. We then waited until after the changing of the guard before we went into the cemetery. We saw where Jose Marti and Castro are interred. Castro's is a large boulder just with the name 'Fidel'. Also of interest was the grave of Bicardi, founder of the rum distillery firm. There were several groups of school children visiting the cemetery.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marc L
Rockland, Canada30 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This landmark is very well maintained and well organized. I was slightly upset at the fact the officials were asking 5 cuk to have the right to take pictures with your own equipment. Do not miss the change of the guard ceremony as it is impressive with dramatic music and march.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ana L
Navan, Ireland2,701 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a nice graveyard, and one of the most important, nationwise, as a lot of national heroes are buried here. You do not have to pay to enter, and every 30 min, there is a change of guard for Fidel's grave. Interesting to see. Takes around 15 min.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TybeePhil
Tybee Island, GA57 contributions
Feb 2020
We went to visit the graves of Fidel Castro and Jose Marti. It was an extremely impressive site plus we toured the cemetery. It was the changing of the guards that was so very impressive. Every half hour the guards perform an intricate ceremony to honor Marti. Do not miss this event.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Niel-Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton, UK301 contributions
Feb 2020
Cuba certinly knows how to respect its folk heroes. The cemetery is beautifully maintained [not always the case in Cuba] and many important people were laid to rest there.
There is a changing of the guard every half hour and it is worth being there for that. If you arrive just as it's finishing, there's plenty to see while you wait for the next one.
We saw a few individuals approaching visitors and asking for money to be allowed to take photos, but no-one came to us, so we doubted their authenticity.
There is a changing of the guard every half hour and it is worth being there for that. If you arrive just as it's finishing, there's plenty to see while you wait for the next one.
We saw a few individuals approaching visitors and asking for money to be allowed to take photos, but no-one came to us, so we doubted their authenticity.
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
joanacoutinho99
Porto, Portugal14 contributions
Mar 2022
Anyone interested in the history of Cuba will not want to miss this visit.
You can visit the tombs of José Marti, and Fidel Castro, as well as Compayo Segundo.
The rendering of the guard is also curious to see.
You can visit the tombs of José Marti, and Fidel Castro, as well as Compayo Segundo.
The rendering of the guard is also curious to see.
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AmeliaAirheart
Long Beach, CA992 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
Do some research on the national hero, José Martí, before you visit. Selections from 4 of his poems form the verses of the well-known song Guantanmera. The military guard at his tomb is changed every 30 minutes around the clock, in a solemn and impressive ceremony. He wrote: "Do not bury me in darkness / to die like a traitor / I am good, and as a good man / I will die facing the sun." You will see his wish has been granted. The cemetery is well worth a visit, even on a hot summer day.
Written February 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TubaKoseogluOkcu
Istanbul, Türkiye5,593 contributions
This beautiful cemetery where not only notables of the past but still many people from the public are burried is one of the must visits at Santiago de Cuba. Eternal leader of Cuba, José Marti's tomb is also here (and so are the tombs of famous Bacardi family members) and every 30 minutes there is a guard change ceremony. Make sure you go there early in the morning as it can suffocatingly be hot even at 10 am. The beautifully kept tombs, the flowers, the trees, the silence only interrupted by the sobs of the families visiting their loved ones who sleep there forever, it's all magical.... It's definitely one of places you have to see once you visit Santiago de Cuba.
Written December 23, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Canadian_Guy1000
Toronto, Canada3,189 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Since the excursion from our hotel (Carisol/Corales) was relatively short, after exploring the city for over one hour, we hailed a horse carriage to get to the Cementerio Santa Ifigenia. At the parking a Cuban man told us that we should quickly walk there to see the 2:00 pm change of the guard at Fidel Castro’s grave.
The grave, consisting of a granite boulder, was decorated with a plate that read simply: "FIDEL”. It was located very close to the tombs of Jose Marti and other Cuban heroes. Nearby were the graves of fallen participants of the Cuban Revolution, but unfortunately, we were not allowed to go near them and I only saw a myriad of plates with their names. There was a security guard, telling us where to take photos and where not to go. Uniformed soldiers were standing under shaded structures. Then at 2:00 pm a number of guards emerged from the adjacent building and marched towards the various tombs. Overall, it was an interesting spectacle.
I only wish I could have spent more time at the cemetery—well, probably I would not mind exploring the cemetery for the whole day, as it such an important part of Cuban history.
The grave, consisting of a granite boulder, was decorated with a plate that read simply: "FIDEL”. It was located very close to the tombs of Jose Marti and other Cuban heroes. Nearby were the graves of fallen participants of the Cuban Revolution, but unfortunately, we were not allowed to go near them and I only saw a myriad of plates with their names. There was a security guard, telling us where to take photos and where not to go. Uniformed soldiers were standing under shaded structures. Then at 2:00 pm a number of guards emerged from the adjacent building and marched towards the various tombs. Overall, it was an interesting spectacle.
I only wish I could have spent more time at the cemetery—well, probably I would not mind exploring the cemetery for the whole day, as it such an important part of Cuban history.
Written December 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
taysCuba
Havana, Cuba4 contributions
es gratis la entrada?
YASVEL
Miami, FL19 contributions
Hola Taybel, gustó en saludarte. La verdad la entrada es totalmente gratuita. En el estacionamiento si dimos una propina al caballero que cuida los autos. Así que sin dudas si puedes hacer está visita que forma parte de la historia valdrá la pena. Espero lo disfrutes
naidu88669
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
How much time does one spend at the Cemetary to get a good experience? Does one need a guide?
Gary150769
Portrush, UK451 contributions
Allow 1 hour to see the changing of the guard and the important graves, including Castro, you don’t need a guide
Cynthia D
Seattle, WA124 contributions
From the main square downtown, is the cemetery within walking distance, or is it better to take a cab/ bus? any advice on transportation is appreciated.
Sharlene D
Innisfil, Canada431 contributions
It is a fair distance from the town centre and there was a line of cabs waiting for return trips if necessary.
maydaperezcisneros
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hello:
I need to bury my fathers ashes. Our family has a tomb or urns here . We are flying from Puerto Rico. Can you please give me an email address where we can communicate better and or telephone number?
Thank you we arrive Jan 14,2017
Teresita_Herndon_VA
Arlington Heights, IL359 contributions
I'm sorry that I'm unable to provide that information to you. There is very restricted Internet service in Cuba, so I don't know if there is any email for the cemetery and to my knowledge it does not have a website. I do know that when I was there the guide mentioned that the cemetery is running out of space. There is an address for the cemetery listed on the website - you might try writing to them or getting in touch with the city of Santiago, rather than a church - I believe the cemetery is more secular than sacred.
Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, Santiago de Cuba
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
- Santa Ifigenia Cemetery is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Santa Ifigenia Cemetery:
- (0.19 mi) Casa particular Jorge y Mirtha
- (1.27 mi) Roy's Terrace Inn
- (1.39 mi) Casa Miriam Santiago de Cuba
- (1.00 mi) Casa Azul
- (0.70 mi) Hostal Yoyi
- Restaurants near Santa Ifigenia Cemetery:
- (1.12 mi) Restaurante Aurora
- (0.63 mi) Brassa
- (1.44 mi) St. Pauli
- (1.14 mi) Restaurante Primos Twice
- (1.09 mi) Compay Gallo