The beauty and nobility preserved in a sacred site of the Homeland

In preparation for the 58th anniversary of Che Guevara’s death, the Sculptural Complex in Santa Clara, dedicated to preserving the memory of the revolutionary icon and his fellow fighters, is undergoing extensive restoration. The project aims to safeguard this national monument, which has welcomed over 5.7 million visitors since its establishment. Reday Rene Armas, the Complex’s Director, revealed to Granma that the restoration focuses on several critical areas. These include repairing the two fountains at the plaza’s rear, enhancing lighting across the site and its surrounding avenues, and restoring the irrigation system that maintains the gardens. Additionally, the fuel systems for the eternal flames—one in the Memorial housing Che’s remains and the other in the Mausoleum of the Combatants of the Las Villas Front—are being upgraded. The museum, which showcases artifacts linked to Che and his Bolivian campaign, is also undergoing renovations. Further efforts involve addressing leaks, improving climate control, repairing water and sanitation networks, and conducting a technical evaluation of the towering statue of Che beside the plaza. The restoration is divided into three phases, with the first concluding on October 8, the anniversary of Che’s death. The second phase will end on November 26, marking the day Che assumed the presidency of Cuba’s National Bank, and the final phase on December 28, commemorating the Battle of Santa Clara. This project underscores the enduring significance of Che Guevara as a symbol of revolutionary ideals and the collective memory of Cuba.