National Capitol Building, Havana. Cuba

• ( 23 reviews)
• Prado y Neptuno, Havana City. Cuba
• Daily
• Destination: Havana

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In 1929 the lot, where the first railroad station in Havana had been built was occupied by the National Capitol, seat of the House of Representatives and of the Senate of the Republic. The initial project, designed by Rayneri was altered by Cavarrocas, Romañach, Govantes and others. It was built by the American company Purdy & Henderson. The famous French city planner Forrestier was involved in the design of the gardens. It opened up on May, 20 to commemorate an anniversary of the republic. From the stairs on we see the imposing porch columns and behind them we find the main gates, fashioned in bronze with bas-relief depicting important scenes of national history. National CapitolOn both sides of the uppermost part of the stairs there are two bronze statues, symbols of two guiding virtues: people and work. These statues are the work of the Italian sculptor Angelo Zanelli. The facade is mainly of classic style while the interior of the building is characterized by eclectic opulence. Different kinds of marble were used on its floors. An outstanding feature is its 90 meters high dome, visible from the farthest reaches of the city. Under the dome there is a bronze statue portraying the Republic. The majestic sculpture made of 22 k. gold-plated bronze, by the same Italian sculptor, is about 17 meters high including the base fashioned in ancient Egyptian marble-onyx. Only the Golden Buda of Nava in Japan and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington surpass our colossal statue in height. National CapitolThe Salon de los Pasos Perdidos is another attraction of this place. This space, conceived for official ceremonies, is 15 meters wide and 48 meters long. On the exact center of the building, under the dome, a diamond marking the kilometer 0 of Cuban highways was set. At present here have their seats, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and the Institute for Scientific and Technological Information.

National Capitol Building Map

National Capitol Building is located in Havana

Capital of Cuba and the country's administrative, political, cultural and scientific center, it is also the capital of two provinces: City of Havana and Havana. Though only around 280 square miles (727 square kilometers) in size-0.65 percent of the archipelago's total area.

The Old Havana and system of forts led UNESCO to declare it a part of world heritage in 1982. Founded on its present site in 1519, the settlement of San Cristobal de La Habana prospered mainly due to its bay, which was a natural port of call for ships sailing to and from the New World. Starting in 1634, because of its strategic location, San Cristobal de La Habana was considered the key to the New World-as attested to by royal letters patent-and the main defense of the West Indies.

The Cuban capital consists of an immense number of buildings in a wide range of architectural styles, built in the course of nearly five centuries. These styles range from the pre-baroque to the baroque, neo-Gothic, neoclassical, eclectic, art noveau and art-deco, to the modern.

Alejo Carpentier, one of Cuba's most famous authors, called it "the city of columns" and focused attention on its streets, which he considered a perennially rich show of life, humanity and contrasts that was bound to entertain any observer.

Over 14 kilometers of excellent beaches lie to the east of the Cuban capital. To the south, a green belt contributes to a healthful atmosphere.

Review about Architecture: National Capitol Building