Cuartel Moncada

The Cuartel Moncada is where the Cuban Revolution began. Now a primary school and museum, the building still shows the bullet holes from Fidel Castro's 1953 attack (though some say they were filled in by Batista and re-drilled after the revolution for authenticity). The Museo 26 de Julio inside gives a vivid and unsentimental account of the attack, the rebels' capture, and the subsequent trial at which Castro made his famous "History will absolve me" speech.

Whatever you think of the politics, the museum is honest about how badly the assault went and how high the cost was — the photographs are not sanitised. The building is a short walk north of the Parque Céspedes. Entry is cheap and a guided tour in Spanish is usually available; some English-speaking guides can be arranged.

things to do museum sight
A story
On 26 July 1953, around 160 young rebels led by Fidel Castro attacked the barracks in the early morning. The assault failed — most of the attackers were killed or captured, and Castro was imprisoned. But the date became the name of the revolutionary movement (the 26th of July Movement), and this failed attack became the founding myth of the Cuban Revolution.