Discovering Havana

A harmony of contrasts and cultures, Havana leaves visitors flabbergasted with its vivaciousness and romanticism. It is Caribbean’s largest and most romantic city with an infectious vitality. Travel back in time to the bygone era of vintage cars and cobbled streets, salsa music streaming out from colonial houses and old men in hats playing dominoes over a glass of rum. It is the land that transcends the barrier of time and age. The city of Havana experienced revolution in 1959 and to this day the legendary Che Guevera is idolized here. Unbelievably animated, fantastic and quaintly chaotic, Havana charms with its loquaciousness.

The Christ of Havana, is a lofty sculpture of Jesus, carved out of White Carrara marble by the Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera. The statue is about 20 meters high and overlooks the bay in Havana. Visit to admire the fabulous sculpture while enjoying the delightful scenery at the same time.

Morro Castle is a magnificent fortress that was constructed to guard the entrance to Havana bay. Representative of old-world valour and bravery, it stands tall amidst forlorn surroundings. Inside the massive gates of the fortress is a permanent exhibition on the lighthouses of Cuba.

On the western side of the harbour in Havana lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of the formidable Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The oldest stone fort in the Americas, it was primarily built to protect Havana from attack by pirates, but did not solve the purpose as it is situated far from the bay. A strategic failure but an architectural wonder, this fort is bound to leave you spellbound with its indomitable finesse.

The Havana Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception) is a one of the most prominent cathedrals in Cuba. This church is surprisingly diminutive in structure but features impressive and imposing Baroque-style architecture. It features an uneven symmetry with one of the two towers being visibly taller; but in its various flaws lies its rustic perfection!

Adorned with elaborate sculpted memorials and enviously beautiful surroundings, the Colon Cemetery is worth dying for, literally. The cemetery was founded in 1876, and is arguably one of the greatest historical cemeteries in the world—renowned for its grandeur and secretive fabulousness. It is believed that this cemetery is home to more than five hundred mausoleums, chapels and family vaults, which stand there silently, bearing the burden of mysteries of the past inside the intricate structures.

Housed in the former Presidential Palace, the Museum of the Revolution depicts the history of the revolutionary war of the 1950s, when Fidel Castro along with his allies led an armed revolt against the dictatorship of the then Cuban President, Batista. The museum also features a separate portion dedicated entirely to pre-revolution Cuba.

The impressive building of El Capitolio or National Capital Building boasts of grandiose and splendour typically associated with the old world. This neoclassical building was the seat of government in Cuba till the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Now the Cuban Academy of Sciences is situated within its premises. On entering the El Capitolio, visitors will encounter an 11-metre tall bronze statue of woman, symbolizing virtue and work.

The Grand Theatre of Havana showcases and promotes various dance and theatre forms in Cuba. It houses a theatre, a concert hall and an art gallery. The theatre has been exquisitely adorned with sculptures by Guiseppe Moretti, depicting various themes related to the creative arts.

Malecon is a perfect place to de-stress and rejuvenate after an intellectually stimulating (but physically tiring!) visit to museums and fortresses. Its sublime beauty routinely attracts lovers, poets and musicians.

For science and ecology lovers, Havana has the Acuaria Nacional Cuba or the National Aquarium of Cuba, which is a scientific research centre for underwater flora and fauna. It provides an interesting view of life beneath the mysterious waters of the oceans.