To
Do in Old Havana
(Habana Vieja) |
Part II of what you can do in Old Havana
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Catedral de San Cristobal |
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This is Old Havana's classic cathedral. The plaza fronting the cathedral and the church's baroque facade, with its asymmetrical towers, are the most visited attractions in Habana Vieja. Inside, the cathedral is simple, almost to the point of austerity, thanks to a radical 19th-century neoclassical makeover. Still, the vaulted ceilings, massive stone pillars, and modest collection of art and antiquities certainly make it worth a visit.
Of these, the 17th-century wooden sculpture of Saint Christopher is quite interesting, note the shortened legs, which were cut in order to get the piece into place.
Despite the official visiting hours listed below, the church is frequently closed tight. If you're lucky, you might be able to attend
Mass here at 8pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, or at 10:30am on Sunday
Reviews Plaza de la Catedral at TripAdvisor |
Catedral de San Cristóbal
Calle Empedrado 156
Plaza de la Catedral
La Habana Vieja
Old Havana, Cuba
Tel: +53 7 8617771 |
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Centro Wilfredo Lam |
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This
little museum and gallery is dedicated to the memory of
Cuba's most treasured modern artist. The museum houses a
sizeable collection of Lam's lithographs and acrylic works,
as well as works of art and sculpture from the artist's
personal collection. There's usually an interesting traveling
exhibit in a separate gallery space. If you want to take
a break, there's a simple cafe in a cool central courtyard
Centro
Wifredo Lam
Calle San Ignacio, at the corner of Calle Empedrado
La Habana Vieja
Old Havana, Cuba
Tel: +53 7 8613419 |
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Convento de Santa Clara de Asis |
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One
of the oldest and best of the Spanish colonial monasteries
on the island, this building is now home to the Centro Nacional
de Restauración, Conservación y Museología
or CENCREM (National Centre for Restoration, Conservation
and Museum Studies).
Founded
in 1644 it has, despite its peaceful history, given rise
to many tales and legends of unrequited love and hidden
treasure. No evidence has ever been uncovered to back up
these stories. In 1919 it was sold to the Cuban government.
As well as operating as a museum, there is a gallery showing
contemporary Cuban art.
Admission: 3 CUC
Disabled
access is available
Convento
de Santa Clara de Asis
Calle Cuba No. 610 e/ Sol y Luz
Habana Vieja
Old Havana, Cuba
Tel: +53 7 612877 / 615043 / 335696 |
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El Cristo de La Habana |
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Havana's
statue of Christ blesses the city from the other side of
the bay, much like the famous Cristo del Corcovado in Rio
de Janeiro. Carved from marble by Jilma Madera, it was erected
in 1958 on a platform which makes a wonderful spot from
which to watch the sun go down. You can reach the statue
by road, or via the picturesque boat which crosses the bay.
A 24 hour snack bar operates at the base.
Disabled access is available.
El
Cristo de La Habana
Loma de Casablanca
Havana, Cuba
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