The José Martí Memorial

Rising high above the Plaza de la Revolución, this striking monument honours one of Cuba’s most beloved and influential figures: José Martí. A symbol of courage, perseverance, and devotion to his homeland, Martí was a leading voice in the fight for Cuban independence, leaving a lasting mark on the nation’s history. He wore many hats—writer, poet, essayist, translator, philosopher—and each role only sharpened the power of his words. He wrote some of the most powerful patriotic works, calling on the Cuban people to rise up against Hispanic-American nationalism and anti-imperialism. But Martí himself, who dreamed of a free and sovereign Cuba, would never see it happen. He was killed in battle in 1895, seven years before Cuba finally gained independence. Beyond his face on the one-peso banknote and a national holiday celebrated on his birthday, José Martí’s legacy lives on through this striking monument, inaugurated in 1958. It consists of two main parts. First, a 109-metre-high tower shaped like a five-pointed star—symbolising the peaks of freedom. Then, an 18-metre tall white marble statue of Martí, seated in deep thought, capturing the thinker he was. There’s also a small museum dedicated to the “Apostle of Liberty”, as Cubans call him, and his writings. At the top of the tower, you’ll find a panoramic viewing terrace. You’ll have to pay to go up—but this may be your only chance to stand at the highest point in the Cuban capital! The choice is yours…