Cuba

Old Havana

Old Havana holds the greatest amount of historic buildings in the country that's why by the end of 1982 the old historic center, the urban enlargement of the 19th century, the port canal with its two sides and the fortresses that served as defense were declared by UNESCO World Heritage as an international acknowledgement to the policy of conservation of the historic and cultural values. For the tourists that prefer the capital for their rest it's inevitable to walk its streets and stone lanes, to visit its fortresses, buildings, monuments, museums, churches, big houses and plazas, enjoy its colonial roofs, stained glass windows, gates, balconies and balustrades in an amazing mixture of constructive styles of various centuries. In the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the most antique colonial fortress in America, the visitors find a museum specialized in artistic ceramic from the most famous personalities of the Cuban plastic art. In the so -called Tower of Commemoration, belfry and ancient watching spot, an image worldwide known serves as a main symbol of the city: La Giraldilla. On the other hand, the building, which used to be the room for the Captain Generals is today the City Museum which collections reflect the historical panorama of the city since its foundation to present times. On the heights that domain the harbor, there is the historical park Morro- Cabana composed by the Castle of Los Tres Reyes del Morro and the San Carlos Fortress of la Cabana site of a museum with the most important collection of antique weapons in the country. One of the best known restaurant in Cuba and that is already part of its tradition is the famous Bodeguita del Medio where outstanding personalities such as Ernest Hemingway have stepped in and which most outstanding feature is its simple style and its Mojito, mixture of lemonade and rum which is served in the place. On its walls and ceiling there are signatures and dedications from everyone who has been there. For the followers of the Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier it is obliged a visit to the Casa del Conde de la Reunion described in his book El Siglo de las Luces (The Century of Lights). Towards the center of Havana we can find some of the most emblematic elements of the country among them the Museum of the Revolution in the former Presidential Palace. There is also the National Museum of Bell Arts which has one of the most valuable antique art collection in Latin America. Very near the Grand Teatro de la Havana (site of the National Ballet) dating back from 19th century and which has witnessed the performance of international figures such as Caruso. Nearby there is the Capitol which is the site of the Science Academy and which outstands by its dome where the biggest indoor statue in the world is kept. For the foreign guests the offer is completed with the enjoyment of the sun and the breeze in a walk along the city seawall, washed by the seawaters.

Tips

Calypso songs were originally sung in French Creole.