Plaza de la Revolution, Havana

As soon as we had a shower in the house, we were anxious to go and see plaza de la revolucion, so we took a taxi and go.The first impression was that it was a huge empty place, then we realised that we were used to see that place on tv full of people while Fidel was talking.The second impression was that it was terribly hot and we started wondering how he could talk there for hours and even more how people could stand up with that hot and listen.

1 more image

The actual square itself is a bit of a let down, an asphalt square with no shade. The tourists deposited here went to pose for pictures in front of Che on the Ministry of the Interior building or visited the Jose Marti Memorial, both of these however are pretty spectacular.

4 more images

Finished in 1958 this memorial to Cuba's national hero is a 109m tower of grey marble in the shape of five-pointed star. Inside a lift takes you to an enclosed viewing area which provides fantastic views of Havana. You are given a certificate of your visit on the way down.

On the ground floor there are 2 rooms dedicated to Marti, a room describing the history of the square & tower, the final room displays contemporary Cuban art. There is also an auditorium used for concerts & poetry readings.

To go onto the outside base of the monument it is 1 CUC. Once inside it costs 3 CUC to look round the ground floor & a further 2 CUC to go to the top.

3 more images

The Plaza is one of the world's largest city squares, measuring 72000 square meters.

The square is notable as being where many political rallies take place and Fidel Castro and other political figures address Cubans. Fidel Castro has addressed more than a million Cubans on many important occasions, such as 1 May and 26 July each year.

The square is dominated by the which features a 109 m (358 ft) tall tower and an 18 m (59 ft) statue. The National Library, many government ministries, and other buildings are located in and around the the Plaza. Located behind the memorial are the closely guarded offices of President Fidel Castro. Opposite the memorial on the far side of the square is the famous Che Guevara image with the slogan 'Hasta la Victoria Siempre' (Forever Onwards Towards Victory) that identifies the Ministry of the Interior

Construction of the square and the monument commenced during the Presidency of Fulgencio Batista. The square and the memorial were completed in 1959 (the year Fidel Castro came to power). It was originally called Plaza Cívica (Civic Square). After the Cuban Revolution (1959), it was renamed "Plaza de la Revolución" or "Revolution Square." An elevator allows access the top of the memorial, the tallest building in the city.

2 more images

We arrived in Havana in the middle of the night and when we passed the illuminated Plaza de la Revolucion, we knew for sure that we had landed in Cuba! We don't get too many images of Havana but the Plaza de la Revolucion, where Fidel Castro gives his (looong) speeches to the nation, certainly is one of the most famous. Facing each other at the Plaza are two of Cuba's most celebrated heroes: located at the center of the Plaza, the Jose Marti (1853-1895) monument is dedicated to Cuba's revolutionary poet, and right in front of it there is a huge portrait of Ernesto (Che) Guevara (1928-1967).

4 more images

To the west of the old part of Havana, lies an enormous square, the PLAZA DE LA REVOLUCION. One of the world's largest city squares at 72,000 square metres, the Square is dominated by the Jose' Marti Memorial which features a 109 metre ( 358 feet ) tall tower and an 18 metre ( 59 feet ) statue of Jose' Marti.
Principal government ministries, including Fidel Castro's headquarters, the National Library and the Ministry of the Interior, featuring a mural of Che Guevara are included in and around the Plaza.
Many political rallies are held here.
As Hans and I stood in the center of this enormous Square, you can just imagine what it is like when it is full of people.

1 more image

The Plaza de la Revolución is probably Havana's most famous square. This is where Fidel Castro used to address crowds during his hours-long speeches and tirades against the US and the West. This is also a major venue for any sort of official event that brings together large numbers of Cubans (like Montcada Day). If you go when there's nothing going on, the square can feel quite empty - that just gives you an idea of how many people pack into this place during official events. The Square was originally built by Batista and named Plaza civica, but it was obviously renamed after the Revolution in 1959. It is dominated by the Monumento a José Marti (a hero from Cuba's 19th century liberation movements), which contains three rooms open to tourists: two describing the revolution and a third with the history of the monument. On either side of the square you'll find government buildings and ministries, as well as the offices of the state newspaper Granma. You'll also find a great display with Che's face.

2 more images

Havana is not just about the old city, and the celebration of the success of the revolution is proudly proclaimed at the Plaza de la Revolucion, an enormous square to the west of the old city. Sitting in the centre is the monument to 19th century poet and revolutionary Jose Marti. Surrounding the square buildings mainly from the 1950s and are the principal government ministeries (including Castro's office). All state parades take place in the Square, including the May Day Parade. And, as you would expect, Che Guevera is suitably remembered...