Banco de La Habana

CA2
General sightseeing
Architectural style: Eclectic
CA Ranking: 2
Admission: Free
Cuba e/ Obispo y Obrapía, Habana Vieja
  • This 1915 two-story building was made of reinforced concrete. Its façade was composed of elements of the Ionic order and stood out because of its semicircular portico and its beautiful wooden door, which was protected by a solid wrought-iron gate. The façade’s six large columns with imposing pedestals gave the building a monumental character, very much in keeping with its role. With the Cuban banking collapse, the institution, which from the start was under the control of the National City Bank of New York, was compelled to enlarge the building due to an increase in operations, and in 1922, the third floor was added. Today, it is an office building for the national Insurance Company.

    
  • Barrio Chino

    Barrio Chino  LH 4

    Located just a few meters away from El Capitolio, this is the largest and most important Chinatown in the New Continent. According to historian Julio Le Riverend, between 1847 and 1874, around 150,000 …

    Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís

    Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís  LH 4

    This imposing and beautiful basilica with fine acoustics hosts some of the most important classical music concerts in Havana. Set in the square of the same name, the church is the home of the Grammy-n …

    Planetario

    Planetario  LH 4

    Adjoining Fototeca on the square’s east side, the Planetarium is an interactive cultural center inaugurated on December 21, 2009. It provides a fascinating look into the origins and structure of the u …

    Museo de la Farmacia Habanera La Reunión

    Museo de la Farmacia Habanera La Reunión  LH 4

    Opened in 2004 in the building where the old pharmacy La Reunión was located, this museum is considered the most important pharmaceutical complex in Cuba and one of the largest and most beautiful in t …

    Palacio de los Matrimonios (Casino Español)

    Palacio de los Matrimonios (Casino Español)  LH 4

    Built in 1914 as Casino Español, one of the several Spanish social clubs in Havana, this beautiful Neo-Renaissance building boasts a ballroom that takes up the entire upper floor and that in itself is …

    Museo del Automóvil

    Museo del Automóvil  LH 4

    One block east of the plaza, the State-run Museum of Automobiles, previously known as the Depósito del Automóvil, showcases a collection of almost 50 vehicles from 1905 to 1989, includes cars, trucks, …

    Coppelia

    Coppelia  LH 4

    Also known as La Catedral del Helado (the Cathedral of Ice Cream), this is the setting where the award winning Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate) begins. Coppelia, named after the …

    Acuario Nacional de Cuba

    Acuario Nacional de Cuba  LH 4

    This aquarium is a scientific center that specializes in research and environmental protection awareness and promotion, especially sea plant and animal life. The Acuario Nacional de Cuba opened on Jan …

    Agromercado de 19 y B

    Agromercado de 19 y B  LH 4

    With fresh organic products that include fruits, vegetables and meat, this agromercado is best known among locals for being one of the best stocked open-air vegetable markets in the city.

    Parque Central

    Parque Central  LH 4

    Completed in 1877 after the city walls were knocked down, the park is bordered by El Prado, Zulueta, San José and Neptuno Streets. It is surrounded by significant buildings, such as the Gran Teatro de …

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