Sancti Spíritus

Sancti Spíritus, city, central Cuba. It is located on the Yayabo River, a tributary of the Zaza River.

The settlement was founded in 1516 on the Tuinicú River, but it was moved to the banks of the Yayabo in 1524. It is the oldest city of interior Cuba, and narrow crooked streets, old churches, and plazas preserve its colonial atmosphere.

The city serves as the commercial centre of a fertile agricultural region that produces sugarcane, tobacco, and dairy products. It lies on the country’s Central Highway about 30 miles (50 km) from its port, Trinidad. Pop. (2002) 98,283: (2011 est.) 98,794.