Below you
will find a list of places you must visit if you are
on the trail of Havana's rich history. Since 1998 old
Havana has undergone a total transformation, buildings
have been re-furbished, sand blasted and, in some cases
re-built. This is most evident in the area surrounding
the Lonja de Comercio next to the Havana port. For those
who have not visited Havana for several years the changes
will be astounding. We suggest that you walk around
old Havana as traffic can be very intense and difficult
parking.
City
Museum
During
the colonial period this was the Palacio de los Capitanes
Generales. It holds collections, which explain the historic
panorama of the City, since its foundation to the present
days. The larger halls display the history of Cuban
wars for National Independence.
Tacón Street #1
, Old Havana. Phone 61 5001
Museum of the Revolution
Formerly the Presidential
Palace, this museum exhibits lots of objects, photos
and relics of historic significance from the revolutionary
war and the national liberation quests. Across the street
is the "Granma" Memorial; the yacht used by Fidel Castro
and a group of expeditionary men, when returning to
Cuba from exile in Mexico, is exhibited here, protected
by a huge glass case. Aircraft, tanks and other military
vehicles used in the heroic revolution, surround this
famous vessel. Keep an eye out for the famous bread
van used to transport troops.
Refugio Street #1
, Old Havana. Phone 62 4091
Jose Martí Memorial
Impressive museum with
the works of this National Hero plus, the impressive
monument of the Revolution Square. The highest point
in the City is located here.
Paseo and Rancho
Boyeros Avenue, Revolution Square. Phone 82 0906
Havanas Model
A realistic copy of the
city in 88 sq. meters, ideal for the first time visitor
to get their bearings in Havana. It is one of the largest
models in the world, second only after New York's.
28th Street, Miramar. Phone
24 2661
El Templete
Located in the Plaza de
Armas, facing the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Templete
is a small homage monument at the place where the first
public mass of Havana's Town-Council was held.
La Vigía Farm
The house where Ernest
Hemingway lived from 1939 through1961. The writer's
personal belongings (books, documents, photos) are kept
here just as he left them.
Finca La Vigía,
San Francisco de Paula, San Miguel del Padrón. Phone
91 0809
Cathedral of Havana
Located in the square of
the same name. Another National Monument and a beautifully
restored Cathedral. Daily Masses and christenings are
still carried out. There are several other interesting
places to visit within the same square such as an art
museum and the Wilredo Llam museum.
Empedrado St # 156.
Old Havana
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