Palacio de la Marquesa de Villalba

CA3
General sightseeing
Architectural style: Neo-classical
CA Ranking: 3
Admission: n-a
Egido e/ Dragones y Monte, Habana Vieja
  • One of the most majestic buildings in Havana, it was partly built on the sight of the old wall that surrounded the city, and it is said that the stones of the wall were used in its construction. It was, at the time, the largest Cuban building for living purposes, with a surface area of 2,300 square meters, ground floor, mezzanine and main floor.

    A notable characteristic is the harmony achieved in the series of arches in the portal, in which the Ionic order is predominant, and the windows of the main floor, closer to the Corinthian order. The wrought-iron banister is in keeping with the trend of the times, but the splendid door made of the same material is exceptional. The top floor is now home to the dance academy Sociedad Rosalía de Castro.

     

    
  • Museo de Arqueología (Casa de Juana Carvajal)

    Museo de Arqueología (Casa de Juana Carvajal)  LH 3

    Housed in the Casa de Juana Carvajal, this museum is the result of archaeological studies in the Historic Center and the preservation efforts made by the City Historian’s Office. Inside is a fascinati …

    Hotel Habana Libre

    Hotel Habana Libre  LH 3

    Located on the famous corner of 23 and L streets, the Habana Libre Hotel, with its 25 floors and 630 spacious rooms, stands majestically and offers an incomparable view of the bay. The building occupi …

    Convento e Iglesia del Carmen

    Convento e Iglesia del Carmen  LH 3

    In 1923, members of the order of the Carmelites purchased a lot on the corner of Avenida del Presidente Menocal and Neptuno, where first they created a provisional chapel and later erected the majesti …

    Coche Mambí

    Coche Mambí  LH 3

    Outside the Museo Palacio de Gobierno sits a railway carriage, still on rails at the corner of Callejón Churruca. It originally belonged to the Cuban Railroad Company and beginning in 1902 was used by …

    Fuente de la India or La Noble Habana

    Fuente de la India or La Noble Habana  LH 3

    This fountain, which is known by either name, is a representation of the mythical Indian woman called Habana, the wife of cacique Habaguanex who ruled in the area before the arrival of Columbus. The f …

    Museo Nacional de la Danza

    Museo Nacional de la Danza  LH 3

    Opened in October, 1998, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the National Ballet of Cuba, this museum features objects mainly from Alicia Alonso’s collection, as well as documentaries, costumes a …

    El Torreón

    El Torreón  LH 3

    Recently restored, El Torreón or as locals call it Castillito (literally, small castle), built in 1649 with blocks from the San Lázaro Quarry (where José Martí was sentenced to forced labor), was part …

    Casa de Asia

    Casa de Asia  LH 2

    Opened in 1997, this small museum—upstairs in a townhouse mansion built in 1688—displays collections that depict the lifestyle, dress, religious beliefs, rituals and traditions from different Asiatic …

    Parque de los Mártires Universitarios

    Parque de los Mártires Universitarios  LH 2

    This cement park was built in 1967 to honor university students involved in Cuba’s independence struggles. The most notable element, located by the most important entrance, can be interpreted a fist, …

    Cárcel de la Habana

    Cárcel de la Habana  LH 2

    Up until 1834 there were no prisons in Havana. Back then, prisoners were crammed together in a small area on the Palacio de Gobierno’s basement. With this in mind, Lieutenant General Miguel Tacón, Gov …

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