One of the most recognisable buildings in Havana and a childhood past time. This is a wonderful building and a must to see while in Havana. I am talking of the Capitol.
I have written before in my blog a bit on it, here it is, The Capitol of Havana
The Capitol of Havana is a building built in 1929 commissioned by the then Cuban President Gerardo Machado. The building would be destined to host the two chambers of Congress or legislative body of the Republic of Cuba. Inspired by the pantheon of Paris, Saint Peter of Rome and the Capitol of the United States, the building presents a neoclassical columnar facade and a dome that reaches about 92 meters in height between the streets Prado, Dragones, Industria, and San Jose.
It is the kilometer zero of the network of Cuban roads, from where all distances are measure from a diamond inside. The materials needed to built it were about five million bricks, 38000 cubic meters of sand and 40000 of stones, 150,000 bags of cement, three 1500 tons of structural steel and two thousand of dowels, quantities truly impressive at the times. Among the treasures of the installation is the statue that symbolizes the Republic (Giraldilla), Legend of love, history, art, symbol….. everything enclosed in this little statue, made by the Cuban sculptor Jeronimo Martin Pinzon in the 3rd decade of the 17C , and which today is the third largest sculpture under the roof in the world.
The Capitol of Havana constitutes one of the most notable symbols of the city, comparable to the Morro Castle, Havana Cathedral and the image of the architectural profile of the Malecón . It is named by some experts as one of the six most important palaces in the world.
Something to see and talk about when visiting Cuba and especially Havana, oh Havana, the Paris of the Americas once and still trying to come back, when do not know.
Check the webpages for updates as it was recently been renovated wholly. It should be worth the wait ,for me do not know. Here as some outside information to help you.
Cuba Travel: Cuba Travel
Tourism Cuba Tourist office Cuba
Hope it helps come to this beautiful buildng of a wonderful era of my roots. And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
