Old Havana is a striking ensemble of colorful homes that enclose courtyards, resplendent with arcades, balconies and wrought-iron gates; an urban landscape that is in turns chaotic, vivacious, quaint and uplifting, gritty yet replete with grandeur. Founded in the 1500s, the city of Havana was molded upon the designs of the Spanish colonists. While the city grew and expanded beyond the original city walls, Old Havana remains one of the city's most populous and vibrant districts. Even as it thrives alongside a bustling metropolis and urban center, Old Havana wears its heritage proudly in the form of over 3,000 historic Neoclassical and Baroque buildings. Some of the most interesting sights in La Habana Vieja include the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, Castillo del Morro, La Cabaña fortress, and National Capitol and Plaza de Armas, to name a few. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Havana and its Fortification System sheds light on the traditional architecture and cultural heritage of Havana.
One of the most interesting museums of the city, Farmacia Taquechel is an archaic apothecary that has occupied its current location since the late 18th Century. History permeates every corner of this gem that still sells medicines and other local products. Its expansive, polished shelves are crafted out of cedar, and they display interesting paraphernalia that ranges from a solar microscope, beautiful glass jars to items discovered by archaeologists from the city's historic sites.
Set inside a beautiful mansion, Museo Napoleonico is home to a staggering 8000 articles narrating the nuances of Napoleon Bonaparte's life. The objects on display were bought at various auctions by Julio Lobo, a successful industrialist and Orestes Ferrara, a local politician. The museum spans across four floors and has interesting exhibits detailing the French Revolution. From arms, paintings, coins to a replica of the flourishing leader's bedroom and his death mask are all carefully restored here.
White sandy beaches are inextricable part of Cuba's charm and Havana's Santa María del Mar is one of the most picturesque shore's of the lot. Located a short drive away from the city center, Santa María del Mar, Havana is bestowed with soft, white sand that's perfect for working on your tan, and its glistering waters beckon swimmers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Lined with towering palm trees that sway to the North Atlantic breeze, this beach is a tropical paradise awaiting to soothe your vision.
The Museum of Decorative Arts was established in the year 1964 in the former mansion of Countess María Luisa Gómez-Mena. Within this sprawling palace-like feat of architecture are housed tens of thousands of artifacts that include exquisite paintings, photographs, vintage furniture, delicate porcelain, French rugs, a historic clock, and many other artifacts from as early as the 16th century. This mansion offers much for lovers of art, history, and architecture and should not be missed when in Havana.
Artistic splendor abounds in this spectacular museum which is home to an extensive collection of Cuban Art. Located in close proximity to the Universal Art Headquarters, this facility holds temporary as well as permanent exhibitions and offers guided tours of the establishment which features artworks dating as far back as the 17th century. The museum's collection sheds light on the evolution of art across different periods in Cuba.