The Havana Cathedral

The Havana Cathedral, otherwise known as the ‘The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception’, is one of the most popular and important religious buildings in the whole of Havana. Located in the centre of Villa de Cristobel, it has stood proudly as a beacon of Havana since 1789. This stunning baroque-style building is one of the most impressive sights in the city and should definitely be added to your Havana itinerary.

The cathedral is visited by visitors in their thousands, who want to see this monumental symbol of faith that’s bursting with history and Cuban culture. UNESCO declared the entire area a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1982.

Explore the stunning architecture of the Havana Cathedral

The Cathedral is visually stunning, with a baroque style on its two side towers with bell towers. Then there are three naves and eight side chapels, which are all divided by imposing thick pillars. The floor is made of white and black marble, giving it an expensive feel. The original ceiling was replaced by a vaulted stone ceiling so that the building could provide more light and air and be more aesthetically pleasing. Whilst there have been many interior renovations to make it more neoclassical, the exterior has remained the same ever since it was initially built.

The art and relics of Havana Cathedral

The Cathedral could almost pass as an art gallery, a very sacred one at least. At the high altar, you can enjoy three frescos by Italian painter Jose Perovani and sculptures created in Rome during the 19th century. The walls are covered in oil paintings by French painter Jean-Baptiste Vermay. The choir stalls are filled with sacristy furnishings and original sculptures of San Cristobal from the 18th century. Inside the Cathedral are tombs of bishops and famous faces from Cuba. Definitely a must for history buffs.

The Cathedral Square

The location of the Cathedral definitely elevates its popularity. However, it wasn’t always this way. In fact, the original site was not the nicest of sceneries. However, new, and elegant buildings started to pop up once this magnificent cathedral was built. The area was renamed Plaza de la Catedral, and popular places like the palace of the Marquis of Arcos, the Museum of Colonial Art and the house of the Counts of Casa Bayona help make the entire area a must-see destination for tourists. This is the go-to place for tourists to explore the rich Cuban history, enjoy a cocktail immersed in the culture and pick up a souvenir or two to take home.