Built in 1929 as the Senate and House of Representatives (and said to be a replica of Washington DC's Capitol), this colossal building is recognizable by its dome which dominates the city's skyline. Inside stands the largest indoor bronze statue in the world representing Pallas Athena. Nowadays, the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural (the National Museum of Natural History) has its venue within the building and contains the largest natural history collection in the country.
Behind bronze doors whose panels depict scenes from Cuba's history, lies an enormous gallery called the Hall of Lost Steps. Under the dome, there is a replica of a 28-carat diamond that marks Havana's centre (for measuring distances from the capital). There is a lot to see if you wander around the rest of the building - the semi-circular chamber where politicians used to sit as well as the endless marble corridors and Italian Renaissance ceilings. You can have your picture taken by one of the photographers outside of the edifice, whose cameras date from the 1920's, or even check your emails back at home at the Capitol's very own internet cafe.
In the surrounding areas of the Capitol, there are a few attractions worth visiting, among them, the Partagás cigar factory, the Parque Central (Central Park), and the Teatro Nacional (National Theathre) with its baroque façade.
Admission: 1 peso only mai hall, 3 peso insides
But watch out... some of the Capitolio workers will allow you to go inside closed area , but than they expecting the tip...
Written Jul 20, 2006
Address: Calle Paseo del Prado, e/Calle Dragones y Calle Sa
Website: http://www.cuba-junky.com
There are many beautiful places where you can just take a walk. One of them is the Parque Central. It's a beautiful, large alley in the middle of a busy street. You have a lot of trees providing plenty of shadow. And you have a lot of places where you can sit. But if you sit, rest assure that in a few seconds, some cubans will be with you offering you every thing. With a little luck, you will meet interesting people with whom you can talk to. If you don't feel like beeing bugged, just keep walking.
Written Apr 10, 2005
Website: http://www.cuba-junky.com
Central Park is covered with lots of trees and is a popular place for the locals to sit under the shade to relax or to talk about anything, from sports to politics.
In the middle of the park is the first Jose Marti statue ever created. It was made with Carrara marble in 1905.
Updated Aug 16, 2004
Parque central - a place to be and milestone for many other directions in Habana
You will be impressed by the statue of José Marti (1905) - you will enjoy a relax stop on one of the marble seats and just have a look at the many people visiting this place
It is also the place to get a local Taxi ( max price to different places in Habana is 4Us dollars for one taxi)
Updated Jan 8, 2004
Website: http://www.cuba-junky.com
SWEET OLD HAVANA
Written Nov 18, 2007
Website: http://www.cuba-junky.com
Just a few blocks away from
my hotel "Park View" - this street scenary of Habana new and old framed in one picture.
Lucky me again
Updated Jan 11, 2004
Website: http://www.cuba-junky.com
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Parque Central (Central Park) tips and photos posted by real travelers and Havana locals.
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Just a few blocks away frommy hotel "Park View" - this street scenary of Habana new and old framed in one picture.Lucky me again
68 members live in Havana
Q: I would to visit Havana and need hotel recomendations Not in terested in beach,would like cultural,history love to see architure...

A: Hi, what type of Hotel are you looking for, price, location ?
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