Regardless of the long revolutionary struggle that sometimes took place in the cities, and the aftermath of abandonment that followed during the pseudo-republic period, many buildings that marked the country’s architectural development have lived out these times.The baroque and neo-classical styles meet the traveler’s eye in Havana’s churches and other constructions. The same pattern is followed in other major cities across the island nation. In Old Havana, all major examples of colonial architecture are still undergoing a thorough and comprehensive restoration process.Another outstanding style is the Art Noveau, developed in the early 20th Century. This trend can easily be seen in the capital’s main avenues. Travelers can make out elements of the belle epoque modern art developed by illustrators, architects, designers, painters, sculptors, carpenters, silversmiths, craftsmen and technicians. Artists from all of these walks of life worked together unaware of the fact that out of a common art they were all practicing and out of their prodigious minds, a marvelous Art Nouveau city was built. Such elements as filigree grates, screens that served to take on a stylist continuity in inner patios and yards, indispensable pieces of furniture inside mansions that allowed a fresh breeze to blow in around the house so as to undermine the sweltering tropical heat. These screens made by prestigious carpenters soon caught on all across the island nation. Wrought-iron grates and railings are also commonplace, along with lighting fixtures, mosaics, church windows and leaded showcases that speak volumes of the high level achieved by this art in Cuba.
