499th Anniversary of a City: Havana’s Icons (+Photos)

Known worldwide by its beauty and traditions, Havana will celebrate its 499^th anniversary next November 16^th, 2018.

Home of great men and women in Cuban history —José Martí Pérez is the perfect example— and exceptional witness of important events, Havana was granted the 2016 Wonder City Award and its oldest side was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

In the words of the city historian Eusebio Leal Spengler “(Havana) is the city of Newsprint; it hosts the primate university of Cuba where the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, forged his spirit and essential values are taught; it is the city of literacy tutors who were engaged in the literacy campaign; the glorious city of militiamen who defended more than once the nation; the city of music, poetry, literature, the circle of thoughts and eclectic architecture. This is the city that witnessed the emergence of social movements and first communist groups; the epicenter of an intense life, the city of the Revolution Square.”

But aside from those facts, this city moves to the rhythm of its citizens. The most cosmopolitan of all.

Those who visit it for the first time are fascinated by its beauty, the seafront that architect Mario Coyula described as the smile of the city.

Capital city of Cuba —and foreigners who love it as well— Havana is not stuck in the unforgettable past, but rises —with great efforts— to restore the damages caused by time.

It is beautiful and not because we said so. Havana is wonderful because it remains inevitable in the memory of those who have walked throughout its streets and known its people.

Here you have some of its symbols, memorable places and sites. Visitors cannot say they were here if they do not walk by the cobblestone streets at the Old Havana or enjoyed the Prado Promenade, or just looked at the beautiful views from any place of the Havana’s Seafront. This is our Havana.

Most of the photos are credited to the author of the article.

Alma Mater of the University of Havana

University of Havana, where Fidel became a lawyer and a revolutionary

Prado Promenade, a must-visit place at the heart of the city

Grand Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso and Hotel Inglaterra, a privileged corner, pretty close to Central Park

The Old Havana, with its cobblestone squares, the coming and going of people

13 de Marzo Park, very close to the Havana’s Seafront where the statue of José Martí —replica of New York’s statue of Cuban hero— was unveiled few months ago

Revolution Square, the image of Che Guevara in the distance

Obispo Street Boulevard, one of the busiest streets in Havana

Famous bar-restaurant Floridita, very well known by the Daiquiri cocktail

Grand Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso. Photo credit: Jorge Luis González

Coppelia, one of the best attractions of the city. Photo: Internet

Hotel Nacional, one of the oldest and most beautiful of all, with a splendid sea view

A wonderful mural by Cuban plastic artist Amelia Pelaez adorns Hotel Habana Libre

El Quijote Park, at the central 23^rd avenue, El Vedado

One of the most popular corners 23^rd and L streets. Yara Movie Theater is in a very privileged spot

El Morro, unquestionable symbol of the city. Photo: Prensa Latina

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff