Cuba allures its visitors with promises of pristine beaches and tropical nature but delivers that and so much more. The evidence of centuries of cultural and architectural development comes alive in these 10 landmarks of the nation’s history.
National Capitol Building of Cuba
The National Capitol of Cuba or El Capitolio is one of the most recognizable buildings in Havana. It was built in 1929, taking inspiration from the Pantheon in Paris. Even though it resembles the US Capitol building in Washington DC, it’s a meter taller, a meter longer, and a meter wider. It took 5,000 workers to finish the construction.
El Capitolio was formerly used as the seat of the Cuban Congress. Since 1959, it has hosted the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the renowned Science and Technology National Library. It’s open to visitors at a low-cost fee.
La Cabaña Fortress and El Morro Castle
The 18th-century La Cabaña is situated next to an even older fortress El Morro at Havana Bay. They are reminders of how important the city was to the Spanish being the main barrier against invading pirates. La Cabaña is considered one of the largest Spanish fortifications in the Americas.
A century-old tradition is on display in the fortress every evening with a canon blasting ceremony and soldiers dressed in 19th-century uniforms. The place is popular among visitors because it has some of the city’s best views.
Havana Cathedral
Even though the Cathedral of Havana is situated in the Old Havana district, it deserves to be mentioned separately given its importance and popularity. This 18th-century landmark is a must-see for every Havana visitor.
Not only does it represent a lovely piece of Baroque architectural style, but it’s also famous for keeping Christopher Columbus’ remains until 1898 when they were moved to Seville. The whole square where the church is located is called Plaza de la Catedral. This is one of the 11 Catholic cathedrals on the island.
Old Havana
Old Havana is the centre of the modern Cuban capital located at the Bay of Havana. This is where the Spanish founded the city in 1519 as it became the main spot on the way to the New World. Two centuries later, it developed into a shipbuilding centre.
Owing to its unique Baroque and neoclassical buildings, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Old Havana resembles Cadiz and other towns in the south of Spain with narrow streets and colourful façades.
Some of the landmarks of Old Havana are the Malecon, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, Plaza de Armas, Gran Teatro de la Havana, Plaza Vieja, etc.
Trinidad and the Valley of Los Ingenios
Another town that is a perfect mixture of Andalusian and Moorish influences with 19th-century European neoclassical designs is Trinidad, situated in the central province of Sancti Spiritus. The town was founded in the 16th century and flourished because of the sugar industry. Along with the nearby Valley de Los Ingenious (Valley of the Sugar Mills), the place is a genuine step back in time and a reminder of Cuba’s golden era. There are 75 sugar mills to be visited in the valley with plantation houses and barracks.
Trinidad and the Valley de Los Ingenious have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
San Pedro de la Roca Fortress, Santiago de Cuba
San Pedro de la Roca Castle in Santiago de Cuba is another stunning fortress declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It overlooks the bay of the city and is the best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture.
The castle, also known as Castillo del Moro, was first constructed at the end of the 16th century to protect the city against pirates. It’s best known for its gorgeous views.
Ernest Hemingway’s La Finca Vigia
Built by a Catalan architect on a hill about 24 km from Havana at the end of the 19th century, the mansion was bought by the renowned novelist Ernest Hemingway in 1939. This is where he lived for 20 years and wrote several of his classic novels, such as For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea.
Like Hemingway’s house in Key West, Finca Vigia (or the Lookout House) in Cuba was also turned into a museum.
The Bay of Pigs
Even though the Bay of Pigs is renowned for its turquoise waters and sandy beaches, and is among the prettiest natural landmarks of Cuba, its name refers to the attempted United States invasion of Cuba in 1961. The goal was to overthrow Fidel Castro from the presidential position.
Bahia de Cochinos is popular among snorkelers and scuba divers because of its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life.
Che Guevara Mausoleum, Santa Clara
The Che Guevara Mausoleum is a must-see when travelling to Cuba since this is a museum and resting place for Ernesto Guevara. The Argentinian revolutionary, who played an important role in Cuban Revolution in 1959, was killed in Bolivia in 1967. His remains were moved here in 1997.
This is a rare opportunity to see some of Che’s personal belongings including his famous beret.
Comandancia de la Plata
Comandancia de la Plata in the Sierra Maestra mountain range is a popular place among Cubans, as it’s the spot where Fidel Castro decided to settle in 1958. The camp was established after Castro was in hiding for a year, fleeing Batista’s administration.
Visitors can now see the place as it was left during the ‘50s. There are 16 wooden buildings along with the Casa de Fidel with concealed escape routes, and a small museum.
Final Thoughts
Every corner of Cuba seems to hold a piece to the puzzle of its intricate history. From castles and fortresses to historical bays, wherever your Cuban holiday takes you, you will be able to learn about this country’s interesting past.
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