Jose Marti Monument, Havana

Jose Marti Monument, Havana

The José Martí Monument in Havana honors one of the nation's most revered figures, José Julián Martí Pérez. Known as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence," Martí's multifaceted life and enduring legacy are deeply interwoven with the fabric of Cuban national identity and history. As a poet, essayist, journalist, revolutionary philosopher, translator, professor, publisher, and political theorist, Martí's contributions transcend the literary realm, embedding him as a pivotal figure in the struggle for Cuba's independence from Spanish rule in the 19th century.

The 109 meters (358 feet) tower, designed by Raoul Otero de Galarraga's team, resembles a five-pointed star and is made of grey Cuban marble. It was chosen from multiple entries in competitions starting in 1939. Initially, designs included one with a Martí statue atop and another resembling the Lincoln Memorial. The fourth competition in 1943 picked a design by Aquiles Maza and Juan José Sicre.

The chosen design features a top-floor observation deck, accessible by elevator, offering panoramic views of Havana. The ground floor houses the memorial, showcasing correspondence, writings, and belongings of José Martí, as well as exhibits detailing his life. Additional rooms cover the history of the Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolucion) and exhibit contemporary art. Martí's quotes adorn the elevator area, while notable items include a replica of Simón Bolívar's sword gifted to Fidel Castro by Hugo Chávez in 2002. Outside, across from Che Guevara's mural on the Ministry of the Interior, stands an 18 meters (59 feet) white marble statue of Martí encircled by six half-height marble columns.

The José Martí Monument not only commemorates the man but also embodies the ideals for which he stood. It serves as a constant reminder of the struggle for independence and the importance of intellectual and political contributions to national identity.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Havana. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Jose Marti Monument on Map

Sight Name: Jose Marti Monument
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Havana, Cuba

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Creating your own self-guided walk in Havana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour

Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour

Ever since Hemingway first visited Cuba in 1928 until his death in 1961, he felt an intense connection with the people and culture of Cuba. Hemingway lived at Hotel Ambos Mundos during the 1930s, and began, wrote, and finished several novels there. Today, you can see some of Hemingway's belongings in Room 511.

Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Discovered and conquered by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century, Havana has turned into a major religious center of Catholicism in the Caribbean. Although a communist regime is currently in power, many of the churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings have been preserved and still give a glimpse of the city’s religious heritage.

The old Havana Cathedral, located in a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Palaces Walking Tour

Old Palaces Walking Tour

Havana has been the seat of Cuba’s ruling gentry for centuries. Today, you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore its palaces to get a glimpse into the city’s royal past. Although these structures now serve Havana’s citizens and visitors, they still catch your eye (and your camera lens!) with their architecture and history.

Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

The Spanish founded Havana in 1519. After French pirate Jacques de Sores ransacked the city in 1555, the Castle of the Royal Force was built to protect the city.

Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.

Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


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