Old Havana, founded almost five centuries ago, as the capital of colonial Cuba, is today World Heritage for its historical, cultural and architectural importance. Day after day, it is remodeled and renovenated; thus, rescuing monumental and archaeological values, thanks to the labor of a brigade of specialists and workers, who belong to the Office of the Historian of Havana, that wisely leads Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler. This old city is a very important touristic destiny, as well.
San Francisco Square, occupied- at the end- by the Minor Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi’s Convent, is today one of the most important concert halls of Havana.
The Historical Center of Havana is characterized for keeping the architectural elements of the colonial epoch, where the city was founded about five centuries ago. In the picture, a street paved with cobblestones.
Among the attractions of the old part of Havana is this street, with only one block long, which forms part of Plaza de Armas, and is located in front of the ancient palace where the Captains Generals, Governors of Cuba during the colonial epoch. The curiosity lies in the fact that this street is paved with wooden blocks.
The Little Temple. In its garden a ceiba tree (sort of baobab) is observed. At the shade of a similar tree, which existed exactly in this place, the first Mass was celebrated and the first Assembly of Cabildo (Council of Clergyman) of the city was held. These activities mark the foundational date of the Village of Saint Christopher of Havana.
The Giraldilla (the weather vane). This figure has the shape of an aboriginal woman, who holds a pennant, finished with the Cross of Calatrava. The Giraldilla represents today the symbol that identifies Havana. A reproduction at scale of that monument is the highest reward, which the Council of the Provincial Administration grants to personalities and institutions with an outstanding performance in their social labor.
Havana Cathedral
The Chamber of Commerce, conceived as a business center, is crowned with a statue of Mercury, god of commerce, according to the mythology. Among the institutions which take lodgings in this building is Radio Station Habana Radio, Voice of the Cuban Heritage. 10
Ownerless dogs, which wander around Old Havana, are admitted and protected by the workers of the entities. A curious initiative is to give them an identity card, which they wear hanging from their neck. In those identifications, it is written the dog’s name, the institution which accepted it, and even a photo.
Daily the streets of Havana are busy with artists representing statues. They are members of the company of the street theater Gigantería. In this image, from left to right: The Gentleman from Paris, that imitates the bronze statue made by José Villa Soberón. It is located at the entrance of the Minor Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
And an elegant young man, dressed to the XX Century style, with a book under his arm. He 11might be a student of the University College of San Gerónimo de La Habana.
Translator: Reinaldo Fernàndez
