Pico Turquino

Pico Turquino
Pico Turquino
 Cuba
Elevation 1,974 m (6,476 ft)
Prominence 1,974 m (6,476 ft)
Listing Country high point
Ultra
Translation Turquino Peak (Spanish)
Location
Range Sierra Maestra

Pico Turquino is the highest point in Cuba. It is located in the southeast part of the island, in the Sierra Maestra mountain range in Santiago de Cuba Province.

The name is believed to be a corruption of turquoise (Spanish: turquí) peak, named so for the blue hues taken by the heights in certain views.[1] It was first mentioned (under the name "Tarquino") on a map drawn by Gerardo Kramer in the late 18th century.

A bust of José Martí, sculpted by Jilma Madera, was placed on the peak to celebrate his centenary.

Turquino National Park is established on a 229.38 km2 (88.56 sq mi) area around the peak.[2]

References

  1. ^ Cuban Foreign Ministry. "Pico Turquino, la montaña azul o el monte de los turcos" (in Spanish). http://emba.cubaminrex.cu/Default.aspx?tabid=8427. Retrieved 2007-10-18. 
  2. ^ National Protected Areas System of Cuba (2005). "Protected Areas". http://www.snap.cu/listados.htm. Retrieved 2007-10-10.