The Cathedral of Havana is not just a pretty postcard. It is one of the essential places to visit on your trip to the Cuban capital. Located in the heart of Old Havana, this architectural gem has witnessed centuries of history, culture and everyday life.
Here we will tell you what to see, what secrets it holds and how you can make the most of your visit. We will also discover other iconic buildings in the city, such as the Capitol de La Habana, the Gran Teatro, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza and a few more so that you don’t miss a thing on your tour.
But before you start your trip, you’ll probably want to know what to take with you on a trip to Cuba.
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The Cathedral of San Cristóbal in Havana: jewel of Cuban Baroque
The cathedral, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Latin America, is located in the famous Cathedral Square. It was built by the Jesuits in 1748, although it was not consecrated as a cathedral until 1789, after the expulsion of the order. Its asymmetrical façade, one of the most photographed in the city, was built with coral stone (if you look closely, you can still see the remains of marine fossils on the surface).
Once inside, you will find a sober but imposing atmosphere. The marble side altars, gilded altarpieces and other artistic details are truly unique. However, one of its most striking features is the black and white marble floor, brought specially from Genoa. It is also said that, for a time, the temple housed the remains of Christopher Columbus before they were transferred to Seville.
The building has survived hurricanes, renovations and even the Cuban Revolution. Today, it remains an active place of Catholic worship and a symbol of the country’s culture. Visiting Havana Cathedral is not only an architectural exercise, but also a way to experience the history of the capital.
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Secrets and legends you will discover when visiting Havana Cathedral
The appeal of Havana Cathedral is not limited to its façade and interior. There are a number of fascinating stories and secrets surrounding it.
One of the best-known stories is the one we just mentioned, which claims that the remains of Christopher Columbus rested there for almost a century. So much so that, although they are now in Seville Cathedral, many tourists stop in front of the chapel where his tomb was supposedly located.
Another curiosity that is immediately apparent is the asymmetry of its towers. When you stand in front of the church’s façade, you will notice that one of the towers is slightly wider than the other. This difference, in reality, was not a construction error, but rather an architectural decision intended to adapt the structure to the uneven terrain and the materials available in the 18th century.
Back inside, it is said that some of the decorative elements (columns and carved figures) were made by Creole artists who mixed religious symbols with local references. Finally, we recommend visiting the Cathedral of Havana on a Sunday morning to attend mass with choral music and a unique atmosphere.
In the Cathedral Square, you will find a wide variety of bars and restaurants where you can try some of the 10 typical Cuban dishes.
The Capitol in Havana: jewel of eclecticism in Cuban architecture
The Capitol in Havana is one of the most famous buildings in the city, both for its enormous golden dome and its resemblance to the Capitol in Washington. Opened in 1929 as the seat of the Cuban Congress, it now houses the Academy of Sciences and part of the National Library.
Despite its imposing size, it was built in just three years, with the participation of more than five thousand workers. The design is a mixture of neoclassical elements, art deco and details inspired by ancient Rome. The most impressive feature is its dome, covered in gold leaf, which reaches a height of 92 metres, making it visible from most of the city.
One of the greatest treasures of the Capitol in Havana is the Statue of the Republic. This spectacular female figure represents the entire Cuban nation. Interestingly, it is the third largest indoor statue in the world, behind only the Buddha of Nara (Japan) and Abraham Lincoln in Washington.
At the main entrance, you can also see the kilometre zero of Cuba’s road network. From there, all distances in the country are symbolically measured. A visit to the Capitol de La Habana is therefore essential for understanding the political and cultural history of the island. Take a look at our 10-day and 15-day trip to Cuba: itineraries and routes to plan your getaway.
Secrets and legends you will find when visiting the Capitol in Havana
Many tourists only see the exterior of this building. However, it is very important to visit the interior to discover some surprising things.
One of its most outstanding features is the 25-carat diamond embedded in the floor of the Hall of Lost Steps. This diamond marks the zero kilometre point of Cuban roads. However, it is an exact replica of the original, as the original was stolen in the 1940s and later returned anonymously.
Another of the most curious corners of this building is the main staircase. The structure is flanked by two huge bronze sculptures: Labour and the Guardian Virtue of the People. If you stand in the exact centre of the staircase and make a small sound, you can hear a very curious acoustic effect due to the vaulted structure.
Inside the building, there is a network of underground tunnels and rooms closed to the public that were built for the former legislators. There are some local guides who, during the tour, tell stories of secret passageways and rooms that are not open to the public and were key during the republic.
Remember that access to the interior of the Capitol de La Habana is only possible through guided tours. We recommend booking in advance, especially if you are visiting during high season. It is certainly a visit that is well worth your time, both for its superb architecture and other interesting details.
Other emblematic buildings in Old Havana
Along with the Cathedral of Havana and the Capitol, the historic centre of this city holds other gems of unquestionable value. The three places we invite you to discover below summarise centuries of art, culture and urban life in the Cuban capital.
To explore the city and discover these places, you can find help in our guide on car hire in Cuba: tips and where to hire a car.
Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso
The Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso is one of the most important cultural centres in Latin America. Located opposite the Central Park and very close to the Capitol, this building stands out for its large neo-baroque façade and its history linked to dance and the performing arts in Cuba.
The theatre was inaugurated in 1838 under the name Teatro Tacón. However, its current structure dates back to 1915 after a complete renovation that led to it becoming home to the Galician Centre. Since then, it has hosted opera, ballet, theatre and concerts of all kinds. Its current name pays tribute to the great Cuban dancer Alicia Alonso, founder of the Cuban National Ballet.
The building houses several halls, the most important and attractive being the Sala García Lorca, with a capacity for more than 1,500 people. Inside, you can also visit temporary exhibitions, sculptures and other details with marble, wrought iron figures, colourful stained glass windows, etc.
If you spend a few days in the city, check the theatre programme to attend a performance or enjoy a guided tour. You will undoubtedly discover other secrets of the city’s cultural wealth.
Havana Castle Of The Royal Force
The Castillo de la Real Fuerza (Havana Castle Of The Royal Force) is one of the oldest buildings in the Americas. Located in the Plaza de Armas, in the heart of Old Havana, it was built by European colonisers in the mid-16th century as a defensive fortress. However, it soon lost this function due to its distance from the port.
One of its most striking features is the tower with the figure of La Giraldilla is a small bronze statue. It symbolises the eternal wait of Inés de Bobadilla for her husband, Hernando de Soto. This figure has become one of the symbols of Havana, even appearing on the labels of Havana Club rum.
Since its construction, the imposing stone castle has had several uses: residence of governors, archive, defensive fortress. Today, it houses the Maritime Museum, a fascinating place for sea lovers. There you can see models of colonial ships, antique nautical instruments, exhibitions on the naval history of Cuba, and more.
A visit to this castle is highly recommended. Especially if you are interested in the island’s colonial past or want to enjoy a quieter space with beautiful views of the harbour and the original walls of Havana.
Palace of the Captains-General
The Palace of the Captains-General is one of the most important colonial buildings in Old Havana. Also located in the Plaza de Armas, right next to the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, it was built between 1776 and 1791 in an elegant Cuban Baroque style.
For more than a century, this space was the official residence of the colonial governors or captains general, hence its name. Later, it served as the seat of the City Council of Havana and today houses the City Museum, one of the most complete and best preserved in the entire country.
The building itself is impressive once you are in front of it. Its stone columns, interior courtyards and marble floors are a reflection of Cuba’s colonial wealth. The museum houses the palace’s original furniture, as well as antique carriages, personal belongings of historical figures who passed through here and other rooms with exhibitions on the history of Cuba.
As a curious fact, one of the most photographed spots in the city is located in front of the palace, on the cobblestone street. The cobblestones have their own legend, as they were built this way to prevent horses from passing through and waking the governor from his rest.
Touring Old Havana is like opening a history book. Havana Cathedral, the Capitol and other buildings such as the Gran Teatro, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza and the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales will give you an insight into the architectural, cultural and social life of the city. If you are planning your trip, don’t forget to book your visit to these places. Not only will you admire their beauty, but you will also gain a better understanding of the soul of a unique city.
If you want to continue exploring the country, we also recommend discovering things to do in Santa Clara, Cuba, another key city for understanding the history and revolutionary spirit of the island.
Frequently asked questions about the Cathedral of Havana
Havana Cathedral is located in the Plaza de la Catedral. You can easily get there on foot or by taxi from other parts of the city. It is very close to Calle del Obispo and the Malecón, so it is easy to include a visit to the cathedral in your tour of the city centre.
The cathedral is usually open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm, although opening hours may vary depending on religious celebrations or public holidays. Mass is held on Sunday mornings, so a visit during the week may be best.
Admission to Havana Cathedral is free, although some specific areas (the museum, the climb to the tower and certain chapels) may have a nominal charge. You can also book a guided tour to see the interior.
The visit can take between 20 and 40 minutes, although it will depend on your interest and whether you are visiting on your own or with a guide.
Don’t leave without taking a good look at the façade, the black and white marble interior and the chapel where the remains of Christopher Columbus were kept.
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