Centro Habana

Although it was conceived in a time of great economic downturn, with a high cost of approximately $17 million, the Capitolio now stands as the pride of the Havana city's architecture. Building started in 1926. The Capitolio was first home to Houses of Congress. Today it houses the Academy of Science of Cuba and the National Library of Science and Technology.

Due to its stunning architectural features, the Capitolio of Havana is considered to be amongst the six most beautiful palaces in the world. One of its most valuable pieces includes the magnificent bronze statue inside, representing "La República". 15 meters high and weighing 30 tons, it’s surpassed only by the Nava Buddha in Japan and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

The other piece is a wonderful replica of a diamond of 25 carats (which replaced the original for safety), located just beneath the imposing dome, from which all distances are measured in the country.

In 1847, a wave of Chinese came to Havana to work on the sugar and coffee plantations. Their shrewd business skills helped them to prosper quickly and soon they formed their own neighborhood within the city.

The "Barrio Chino" in Havana is located between the streets of "Amistad" and "Dragones". The first businesses were an inn and a fruit stand. Later followed businesses like laundries, restaurants and casinos - converting Havana Chinatown in one of the most important districts in the area.

At the moment, there are very few Chinese left but their descendants that have mixed with other races can be seen all over the area. Although the “Barrio Chino” has lost much of its authenticity, it retains some good restaurants, a few Chinese societies and an edited Chinese newspaper.

With its spectacular architecture, the Grand Theater of Havana opened in 1838, and became one of the greatest opera houses in the world.  Admire its impressive facade, designed by the Italian Guiseppe Moreti. The four sculptures that guard the building represent Charity, Education Music and Theatre.

As one the most important cultural institutions in Latin America, its stage has received many artists and internationally renowned companies such as Sarah Bernhardt, the Royal Ballet of London and the tenor Enrico Caruso.

Currently, the Grand Theater offers performances of the "Ballet Nacional de Cuba" and many others. In the building there are different theaters, concert halls and visual art galleries. The "Gran Teatro" also hosts international festivals like "The Footprint of Spain" ("La Huella de España") and the "Festival de Ballet de La Habana". If you want to discover a new facet of Havana and enjoy one of the artistic representations, don't hesitate to visit the greatest Cuban Theater.

That is one of the most attractive streets in Havana. The lions that guard the street are bronze and have a fascinating history.

This is the most prestigious dance school in Cuba and one of the largest in the world. 4350 carefully selected students are trained here to become later part of the National Ballet. Interested people can go there to get information about courses and workshops.

In order to understand the true African heritage of this Caribbean island, you should visit this fascinating place. Exhibitions and ceremonies related to Santería-cult and Yoruba beliefs rooted in Cuba.

Beautiful fountain made in 1837 in white Italian Carrera marble.

Just take a seat on the Malecón wall by the sea and enjoy the atmosphere. Cubans a very curious and you will get in touch fast.