The El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building, is one of the most photographed in Cuba. Commissioned by Cuban President Gerado Machado, it was built between 1926 and 1929 and remains today as one of the most awe-inspiring pieces of architecture to grace the capital of Havana.
The enormous dome protruding from this intricate building dominates the cityscape and has become an iconic landmark of Havana, much like the cigar and classic Cadillac. El Capitolio has a rich and interesting history, so we thought we’d highlight a few facts about how it achieved its reputable status…
El Capitolio: 5,000 people to build
We’ve already established that the El Capitolio building took three years to build from 1926 – 1929, which may sound like a long time, but at a scale of 681 x 300 ft, this was a remarkably speedy achievement. It’s also no surprise that the building’s intricate details took 5,000 workers in total to help construct.
It’s the tallest building in Havana
Standing at 92 metres tall, upon completion the El Capitolio building was crowned the tallest in Havana’s glittering skyline. It had a good run, until it was overtaken by the radio and television network building FOCSA in the 1950’s – which still stands as the tallest in Havana today.
It houses the world’s third-largest indoor statue
Inside the “Salon de los Pasos Perdidos” (Room of the Lost Steps) stands proud the 17.6-metre-tall La Republica statue. Symbolising the mythic Guardian of Work and Virtue, this ornate bronze woman statue is covered from head to toe in gold leaf, and weighing in at 30 tonnes – it’s a sight to behold. Her size is only surpassed by Washington DC’s Abraham Lincoln statue and Japan’s Buddha statue in Nara. Now that’s impressive!
What is the El Capitolio used for?
Formerly, El Capitolio was the seat of the Cuban Congress, but when it was abolished in 1959 a new government building was constructed in “Plaza de la Revolucion” (Revolution Square). Instead of letting the expansive space inside El Capitolio go to waste, in 1962 it was dedicated to the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the National Library of Science and Technology until 2013. Between 2013 and 2019 the building underwent huge refurbishment and re-opened in time for Havana’s 500th anniversary, opening to the public for guided tours.
It’s not a copy of the Capitol in Washington DC
Despite the rumours and uncanny resemblance, El Capitolio is not (we repeat, not) a replica of the US Capitol building in Washington DC, USA. In fact, it’s modelled on the Pantheon in Paris. If you look closely enough, many of El Capitolio’s ornate details are unique in that they directly relate to Cuba – the main entrance doors, for example, are made of ornamented bronze and depict real scenes from Cuban history. If you’re visiting, be sure to look out for these discreet details.
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuban holiday specialist. We offer a number of Havana holidays and tours that include the El Capitolio building. Click here for more info or call us on 0207 071 3636
