International Travel Desk

Few are those that know that in the land that today the Havanan Capitol is, a swamp existed, dredged and converted in the first botanical garden that had the capital at the end of the 19th century.

Neither is it known that the definitive construction the Capitol was many time delayed because its high cost on one hand; and to the political indecisions, on the other. Then, on March 1926, the construction of the Capitol began finally.

The majestic building was inaugurated on Thursday May 20, in the afternoon, with the presence of the president of the Republic and the diplomatic corps accredited in the Island in that time.

Eugenio Raynieri Piedra a very well-known and prestigious architect at the time; led the planning and construction joined by the best professionals in the Construction Industry in Cuba. By the time this project was finished it had already taken 17 millions out of the National Budget.

This building calls for the attention of anyone passing by for its stunning dimensions and shapes. It seconds The Squares of the Revolution as the highest point in capital. Its design resembles those of the Capitol of Washington, The Basilica di San Pietro in Rome and San Paul's Cathedral in London.

A further detail that captivates everyone is the central piazza, which is escorted by 17 ionic columns of granite and in its facade; the three huge mahogany doors that give access to the main floor all three decorated with engraving recalling events of the history of Cuba.

The Capitol of Havana counts over seven decades since its opening in 1926. The colossal construction is regarded as the third in relevance in Latin America for its monolithic structure and certainly first in Cuba.

There is a huge gem stone embedded on its floor marking the Kilometer No 0 of The National High Way that was also finished together with this building and today it can be admire by everyone who visit it. This huge diamond also separates the two wings on each side of the hall under the dome.

The statue of the Republic of Cuba, inspired in the Havanan model Lily Vlty, has the third place in the world of the highest sculptures indoors. It was installed in 1929, in the room of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos). It was made by Angelo Zanelli who also used this model to sculpt the statues of the central piazza.

Stopping over at the Capitol of Havana is just a remarkable journey back in history. In its quarters you will discover lots of true stories and anecdotes, concealed behind its pillars. Your holiday will not be fulfilled without a touch of History in Havana and this building certainly is a must.