Havana

Havana must be seen to be believed. One can see fantastic examples of architectural styles from the seventeenth through the twentieth century. And Havana has long been a fairly rich city, so there are no blighted areas. However, the city has not been properly maintained for many years, so most of these beautiful buildings are in desperate need of plaster and paint. Also, many have been divided and re-divided so many times that their interiors are squalid, dark, and horribly over-crowded. Nevertheless, Havana remains a truly beautiful city situated in a tropical paradise, and there has been some reconstruction, especially in la Habana Vieja (the original, walled city).

Keri Cowen took the two photographs above. All other photographs are mine. Click on a picture to get the full size.


La Habana Vieja. Old Havana. This, I think, is as beautiful as it gets anywhere.		Another street scene, this time in a residential area that has not been reconstructed. Faded, but still beautiful.


This is about as poor an area as I could find. Don't be fooled by the pretty architecture -- conditions inside are pretty bad. See my section on housing.		These are along the Malecon, the road that runs along the waterfront.


The former Capitol, copied from the one in Washington, D.C. It's now a museum.		A detail from the Opera House, next door to the Capitol.


The Hotel Inglaterra. The bar, though a little gloomy, has tables with wonderful hand-painted tiles by local artists. Prints and paintings are displayed on the walls.		This former home, located in the once rich suburb Miramar, is now an embassy. Most of the embassies are located in Miramar.


The cathedral in la Habana Vieja.		An interesting story about this old wreck. Click on the pic to read all about it.


The famous Hotel Nacional overlooking the Malecón just off La Rampa.		A thoroughly run down building next to a renovated building on La Plaza Vieja. The occupants refused to be moved out so that the building can be restored. Restoration of the rest of Plaza Vieja has been stunning.


This hospital is devoted exclusively to ophthamology. Health care in Cuba is excellent but deteriorating because of the economic crisis.		An example of socialist era housing found sprinkled about Havana. There really is not enough of it to seriously detract from Havana's charm.


A street vendor. Such is private enterprise in Cuba.		More private enterprise.


One of the many beautiful buildings in downtown Havana, the former Presidential Palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.		Former customs house in La Habana Vieja.