Travel Articles
| Habana's Cathedral, a Site worth Visiting in Cuba |
| Written by J. M. Maurette |
| Wednesday, 11 February 2009 03:24 |
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To go sightseeing in Havana means also visiting the Plaza de la Catedral, a virtuous place with cobbled streets, full of beauty and senses, a place where thousands of people from all over the world get together each month, as tourist guides recall it.
To go sightseeing in Havana means also visiting the Plaza de la Catedral, a virtuous place with cobbled streets, full of beauty and senses, a place where thousands of people from all over the world get together each month, as tourist guides recall it. In earlier times it was named Plaza de la Cinaga (Swamp Square), and later on "Plaza de la Catedral", it is a place that has much to do with the beginning of Havana, founded on the 16th Century in the proximities of Havana's harbour. The name is due to a large cathedral built first as oratory of the Hijos de San Ignacio, of the Jesuit order, which first stone was placed in 1748. After three decades the oratory was built, the Cathedral was already functioning, and between 1802 and 1832, important restoration works were made. Beautifully decorated, with important works and copies made by the French Jean Baptiste Vermay, it is a place worth visiting. Several significant events and festivities find home in this amazing little landmark of Havana. Festival, music concerts and gala dinners organized by the government for important groups have found the perfect venue in Cathedral Square. An excellent weather all year around is always the perfect allied and escorted by a superb and colourful architecture you will be able to soak up the atmosphere to the beat of salsa band. As a special feature, one of the nearby alleys is the seat of the most famous Cuban restaurant: La Bodeguita del Medio which reaffirms its quality after serving for more than 60 years since its foundation.It is an emblematic restaurant for the Cuban tourism, with the walls full of around two million autographs of all clients from different time periods, and photographs left by outstanding figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Mario Benedetti, Pablo Neruda or Errol Fryn. The list of personalities that have visit this restaurant extends along decades now. Today tourists can enjoy not only the best Cuban food but also in its bar the best Mojito cocktails. There is always a crowd outside taking pictures or simply dancing to music played by a small band. Many people spend time chatting in this site which is always amusing due to the presence of guitarists and singers, as it has happened for more than six decades, when its founder Angel Martinez (deceased), used to personally inquire about the likes of his guests. The best hotels in Havana are just few minutes walk from this square. To avoid taxis and unnecessary hassle just book your self in one of the boutique hotels in The Old Town and you will be able to just walk outside and enjoy a caf in any of these captivating squares. If you need any assistance or advice you can always contact us as we will be very happy to share our expertise with you. About the Author: If you need to know more about how to make the most out of your holidays to Cuba please contact us at www.quest2cuba.co.uk |
| Last Updated on Saturday, 21 February 2009 20:04 |