Cuba: the sights of Havana and not only

There is hardly anyone who would not dream of visiting Cuba. Imagination draws sandy beaches, the ocean, Cuban cigars, the Cuba Libre cocktail, the rebellion of Che Guevara and, of course, the sights of Havana. In addition to exotic beach holidays, in Cuba you can enjoy visiting ancient architectural monuments.

So, what to see in Cuba? History and culture are inextricably linked and together find expression in architecture. Therefore, special attention, in the first place, deserve the sights of Havana. This city is not for nothing considered a museum in the open air, in Old Havana alone there are about 900 buildings built in different architectural styles and of significant historical value. However, a sad sign of the passing epoch is that of the huge number of architectural structures built in the 16th-17th centuries, only about 150 have been restored, while the rest inevitably fall into decay and desolation.

The sights of Havana include cathedrals and churches, fortresses and bastions, parks, museums and palaces. The fortress of La Fuersa, built in 1577, is the oldest stone fortress in Central America.

Lovers of antiquity are also followed to visit San Francisco del Havana - a church built in the early 17th century.

Each of the famous districts of Havana - Vedado, Havana Vieja, Miramir - is interesting in its own way. Old Havana and the modern center connects the Malecon embankment, laid in the early 20th century.

At the waterfront is the National Hospital, which is considered the tallest building in the city.

In the historical center, you should visit the chapel El Temple, built in 1828 on the site, where, according to legend, the city was born, the Cathedral Square, the Armory and the Old Square. Around these areas groups of beautiful architectural structures are grouped . One of the best examples of the colonial baroque is the Cathedral of St. Christopher (the Cathedral of Havana) - located on the Cathedral Square. Its facade is decorated with copies of the works of Rubens and Murillo, he is also known for the fact that for more than 100 years there were the remains of Christopher Columbus.

But not only the sights of Havana deserve close attention of travelers. Other cities of Cuba are also known for their buildings, which have architectural and historical value. If time permits, it is worth visiting the cities of Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba. Attractions of the latter include the fortress of del Morro, Cespedes Park and the Colonial Cathedral, as well as the only stepped street in Padre Pico in Cuba. Also in this city are two major Cuban holidays - the feast of de Fuego and Carnaval.

The town of Trinidad, founded in 1514, as well as Old Havana, preserved the medieval flavor. In addition, it is known for its beautiful views. The town of Santa Clara is called the city of Che Guevara. Here there was a famous battle of the rebel army, and here Ernesto Che Guevara was buried. The architecture of Cienfuegos is somewhat different from the Caribbean style of Havana, the cities of Santiago de Cuba and Trinidad. This is due to the fact that it was founded in the beginning of the XIX century by French colonists and built in the style of neoclassicism.