Cuartel de Moncada

The action that sparked the Cuban Revolution in earnest was the attack on Santiago’s Cuartel de Moncada, or Moncada Barracks, on July 26, 1953. Castro and his rebel crew were outnumbered and several key guerrillas were captured and executed. Others, including Fidel and his brother Raúl, were arrested and put on trial. Today, the barracks serve as a school and a museum; the latter is open to the public. Bullet holes that pock the exterior are still visible. Inside, guided one-hour tours include historical commentary on the barracks and the battle.