Holguin, the capital of the province of the same name, is the fourth largest city in Cuba. It is nicknamed "the city of parks" and has many shady squares that add to Holguin's appeal. The town does not have a lot of colonial architecture but is a pleasant and lively city, with a university. It was founded in the first half of the 16th Century
and gained its status as a city in 1752. Holguin saw much fighting during the wars of independence and there are monuments around the city paying tribute to important historical figures and war heroes. Some of the main highlights in the city are found on or near the three main squares, Parque San Jose, Parque Calixto Garcia, and Parque Peralta.