230246 - Cuba: Havana

Havana is the capital city of Cuba and the focal point of Cuban culture, rich in visual artists, musicians, poets, dancers, actors and writers and it is the base of the world famous Ballet Nacional. Havana is the kind of city where history oozes from every street and building and from every church and plaza. Vintage cars, baroque style buildings, grand mansions and palaces and beautiful courtyards adorn its streets. Walk along the famous Malecon for stunning views of the Bay and the Morro Fortress, which lies behind historical colonial style architecture. Old Havana, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982, is the oldest part of Havana city and it is a mixture of narrow cobblestone streets, elegant beautifully restored buildings and ancient crumbling ruins. This part is merged with the most modern and eclectic buildings which give a touch of dynamic cosmopolitism. The dome of the National Capitol Building dominates the Havana skyline. Inside there is a statue of La Republica, the biggest indoor bronze effigy in the world. There is also an enormous and historic gallery, a 25-carat diamond that marks the exact centre of the city and the headquarters of the Cuban Natural History housing the country's largest natural history collection. There are two major cigar factories in Havana, the Partagas being the oldest. This working cigar factory is another “don’t miss” Havana experience. Havana is a unique and seductive city that hums with street life, joy and charm.