Iglesia del Espíritu Santo

CA4
Church / other
Architectural style: Spanish Baroque
CA Ranking: 4
Open: 8am-noon & 5-8pm
Admission: Free
Cuba esq. a Acosta, Habana Vieja
  • Although considered by many the oldest church in Havana, a research by historian Pedro A. Herrera has proved otherwise. The original building, which was built as a hermitage in 1638 for freed slaves and which in 1661 had become the second parish church of the city, no longer exists. It was successively repaired, remodeled and rebuilt–the tower, presbytery vault, new walls and additional nave were all built from 1707 to 1760. In later years, the north wall was rebuilt and its façade remodeled. Therefore, the church we see today is more 18th century than 17th, although it has preserved its original features.

    It is precisely its simple structure that makes the building interesting, as well as its clay saddle roof, murals, stained glass and a wooden ceiling. Other interesting details include the crypts discovered in 1953; the tomb of Bishop Gerónimo Valdés, discovered in 1936; and the fact that in 1773, the church was declared as the only one in Havana that could give asylum to people wanted by the authorities.

    
  • Casa del Científico (Casa de José Miguel Gómez)

    Casa del Científico (Casa de José Miguel Gómez)  LH 2

    The compact yet extravagant Beaux Arts building on the northwest corner of Prado and Trocadero was once the residence of Cuba’s second president, José Miguel Gómez, known as ‘El Tiburón’ (The Shark). …

    Edificio del Seguro Médico

    Edificio del Seguro Médico  LH 2

    This is one of the most significant exponents of the trends in architecture in Havana of its time. According to architect Pedro Martínez Inclán, “Quintana can boast about having given Havana…two build …

    Parque Maceo

    Parque Maceo  LH 2

    Dominating the Malecón to the west, at the foot of Belascoaín (Avenida Padre Varela), is the massive bronze monument to Antonio Maceo, on top of a marble base in a plaza with a fountain. The classical …

    Aqvarivm

    Aqvarivm  LH 2

    This modest aquarium has over 90 different species of freshwater fish and aquatic plants, displayed in small tanks. Tropical fish tanks are popular in many Cuban family homes and fish can be purchased …

    Memorial a los Estudiantes de Medicina

    Memorial a los Estudiantes de Medicina  LH 2

    Inaugurated in 1890, this memorial is a shrine to eight medical students who were executed by firing squad on November 27, 1871, after being falsely accused of desecrating the tomb of Spanish journali …

    Instituto de Segunda Enseñanza de La Habana

    Instituto de Segunda Enseñanza de La Habana  LH 2

    The Institute of Secondary Education of Havana was founded in 1863 and originally located on Calle Obispo. It was later moved to this site in 1924 as part of the construction program for the area in t …

    Edificio Rodríguez Vázquez

    Edificio Rodríguez Vázquez  LH 2

    This 1941 building repeats the structure of lines that emphasize verticality and includes a small two story-tower. Initially known as the Rodríguez Vázquez Building, it included two cinemas, a café-re …

    Museo Yoruba de Cuba

    Museo Yoruba de Cuba  LH 2

    Created by, and housed in the headquarters of, the Asociación Cultural Yoruba de Cuba, this museum is dedicated to santería and features sculptures representing the different Afro-Cuban orishas (saint …

    Museo Armería 9 de Abril

    Museo Armería 9 de Abril  LH 2

    The Museo Armería 9 de Abril displays a large collection of firearms and bladed weapons spanning the 18th to the 20th centuries. It occupies the former Compañía Armera de Cuba, a private gun shop that …

    Museo Nacional de la Cerámica Contemporánea Cubana (Casa de Francisco Aguilera Basabe)

    Museo Nacional de la Cerámica Contemporánea Cubana (Casa de Francisco Aguilera Basabe)  LH 2

    Housed within Casa de Francisco Aguilera Basabe, a two-story building built in 1728, this museum exhibits Cuban art pottery from 1950 to the present day on the top floor, while the ground floor has a …

    « 19 of 22 pages »