Jose Marti Park

Located in Historic Ybor City, this .14 acre park is only big enough for a few park benches, a statue of Jose Marti and some tropical landscaping. However, it’s significance is enormous and that alone makes it worth the visit.
In the 1800’s Jose Marti made Ybor city the Cigar City Capital of the world. This piece of land was a gift from Tampa to Cuba and since 1956 has been Cuban territory. There is no need to get on a boat or plane to stand on Cuban soil. Walk through these gates, and you are in Cuba!
It is also a nice relaxing place to sit for awhile and reflect on the history of our great city of Tampa.

Want to visit a piece of Cuba without a passport or plane ticket? Just visit Jose Marti Park on 8^th Ave in Ybor, right next to New World Brewery.
Cuba has owned this piece of land since 1956 after it was gifted to them by a Cuban couple who owned the property. It was their wish that Cuba would use this land to memorialize Marti, a political and literary icon in Latin American history. He is Cuba’s national hero, kind of like what George Washington and Abraham Lincoln mean to the US.
The park itself is very small, not even a quarter acre. You could easily drive by it without noticing it. If you are a tourist, there are two trolley stops close to it. (It’s right by the Hampton Inn-​Ybor.) There’s not much to it… a couple statues, a few park benches, a mural of Cuba, and interestingly enough, the Cuban flag flies (and Florida flag), but not the American flag.
Interesting, peaceful spot but I think the Cuban association that maintains it should provide more info on the history of the park, Marti and Cuba.
So here’s more info for anyone interested…

You would never know there’s so much history behind the gates of this unassuming park. I had inquired with the hotel what we should look for while exploring Ybor City. The receptionist told me of this small park that was just around the corner. She told me how it is actually owned by Cuba. If you search online you will find some fascinating history behind the park.
My husband and I had strolled over on a Sunday afternoon only to find the gates locked. The park is only open during the week, so I was hoping I’d be able to stop back by before we left Monday morning.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the gates open come Monday; you’re just never too sure now a days. While the park is small it’s perfect for sitting and just enjoying the sights. The statue of José Martí is a nice way to pay tribute to this historic revolutionary.
If you happen to be wandering the neighborhood during the week stop by and take a moment to reflect on those who dedicated their lives to make a better world for their Cubans.