Visit the San Francisco Church (Convento e Iglesia de San Francisco de Aís) when vacationing in the colonial city of Trinidad. Founded by Franciscan monks, this church and convent dates back to the late 18th century and was inaugurated in 1813. Religious activity ceased at San Francisco Church in 1826, after which it fell into disrepair before being rebuilt. Today, it houses the National Museum of the Struggle Against Bandits (Museo Nacional de Lucha Contra Bandidos).
The major architectural highlight of this colonial landmark is its multi-tiered, yellow and white domed bell tower. It features on the 25 centavo coin of the Cuban peso. Climb the narrow staircase to the tower’s observation deck, which affords uninterrupted views over Trinidad’s rooftops and surrounding countryside. Look down on the pretty Plaza Mayor, see the tall peaks of the Escambray Mountains and gaze out over the Caribbean Sea.
Spend some time perusing the museum’s exposition rooms. These showcase an exhibit of the body created by Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution to fight the counterrevolutionary forces from 1959 to 1965. Find displays of original newspaper cuttings, maps, models and photographs. See examples of military uniforms, footwear and weapons.
Other notable artifacts include a Soviet-style truck used by the Milicias Nacionales Revolucionarias to access remote areas. Don’t miss the speedboat used by the CIA and the counterrevolutionaries to transport artillery and soldiers.
The church and museum stand on the west side of Plazuela del Cristo, a square in Trinidad’s city center. It’s just a 2-minute walk from Trinidad’s main square, Plaza Mayor. This elegant square is framed by colonial residences and dominated by the Church of the Holy Trinity.
San Francisco Church is open daily and the National Museum of the Struggle Against Bandits is open from Tuesday to Sunday. There’s an admission fee.
