Palacio Provincial y Biblioteca Provincial José Martí, Santa Clara

Admire the beauty of the old Palacio Provincial, recognized today as the Biblioteca Provincial José Martí in Santa Clara

Palacio Provincial y Biblioteca Provincial Jose Martí, Santa Clara
© Colin Hepburn

The Biblioteca Provincial José Martí (José Martí Provincial Library), also known as the Palacio Provincial (Provincial Government Palace), is a building that exudes eclectic elegance. It is located in the heart of the old town of Santa Clara, on the east side of Parque Vidal (Leoncio Vidal Park). Cuba recognized the library as a National Monument on account of the building’s architectural, cultural, and historical value.

Palacio Provincial y Biblioteca Provincial Jose Martí
© Colin Hepburn

The palace was commissioned for construction after Cuba declared itself an independent state, from 1904 to 1912. Originally the palace was headquarters for the old provincial government, but, after the Revolution in 1958, the building was transformed into a public library. The palace is a site marked by several important revolutionary milestones: it was attacked by the rebels during the capture of Santa Clara and it is the same place Fidel Castro held a meeting in 1959.

This early 20th-century neoclassical building is almost perfectly symmetrical. Its two floors, large patios, and Ionian styled columns, decor and pristine bone colour make a sight worth stopping by. Its perfect state of conservation makes this palace worthy of its title as a National Monument.

More Information:

Location:

Calle Colón frente al Parque Leoncio Vidal, Santa Clara, Cuba.

Opening hours:

From Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm; Saturday from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

Ticket price:

1 CUC.

Interactive map:

Cayo Santa María

What to see:

Beaches:

Santa Clara

What to see:

Museums:

Remedios

What to see:

Museums:

Caibarién

What to see:

Museums:

Villa Clara

Other places:

Other nearby destinations:

Why "Cuban Travel Agency"?

"Cuban Travel Agency" is part of the Visitar Cuba project, an organization of Cuban agencies whose objectives are:

✓ Disseminate Cuba, its culture and its heritage.
✓ Promote sustainable tourism.
✓ Support the local economy, prioritizing direct contact with Cuban agencies.
✓ Offer budgets without commitment and without cost, from the hand of Cuban experts.

Ask for your estimate

Travel agencies and Tour Operators

If you are an agency or tour operator and you are looking for help to create trips to Cuba, trust our expert hands, we offer special prices.

Special prices for Travel Agencies and Tour Operators