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Palaces of Havana, Havana
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Palaces of Havana
Guide Location: Cuba » Havana
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 1.1 km
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and An Sophie & Bart
Author: kane
Havana has been the seat of royalty for centuries. Now you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore the palaces of Havana, getting a glimpse into the royal past and heritage of the capital of communist Cuba. The palaces today serve the citizens and visitors of Havana, but they still catch your eye and your mind with their architecture and history.
Tour Stops and Attractions
Palacio del Conde de Lombillo
1) Palacio del Conde de Lombillo
The Palacio del Conde de Lombillo is famous for several different reasons. First, its gentle yet strong lines and the unique architecture combine with original murals representing daily scenes from early Havana are a treat for the eyes. The second interesting fact is that it was the first post office in the city and actually the comedy/tragedy masks were a mailbox!
Image Courtesy of Flickr and hoyasmeg
Palacio del Marqués de Arcos
2) Palacio del Marqués de Arcos
Erected in the late 18th century, the Palacio del Marqués de Arcos appears to be colonial style with the Spanish-American architectural influence. Most notable inside the luxurious mansion is the wide and vast staircase and five arcades. The architectural masterpiece of that time is the residential house.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Angelo Lucia
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
3) Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales is amongst the best-looking and well-preserved Baroque buildings erected in the 1770's, the building is in the Cuban Baroque style. Many of the rooms are preserved with their original Colonial decoration. The ground floor and mezzanine contain artwork and artifacts from Havana's past. On the top floor, the rooms of the governor's residence are preserved with much of the original furniture and decoration still in place.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Vgenecr
Sight description based on wikipedia
Palacio del Segundo Cabo
4) Palacio del Segundo Cabo
Erected around 1772, the Palacio del Segundo Cabo was the headquarters of the Spanish vice-governor, then later a post office and a palace for the Senate, and currently it houses the Geographical Society of Cuba. The architectural uniqueness of the palace is shown in its courtyard, which is amazing in its detail.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Ranoush.
Palacio de los Condes de Santovenia
5) Palacio de los Condes de Santovenia
Belonging to the counts of Santovenia, the palace was converted into a hotel in the second half of the 19th century, hence becoming one of the oldest hotels in Cuba. The former royal building was taken care of, receiving a renovation in the early 90s, and is today maintained in very good condition. Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president, visited in 2002.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and An Sophie & Bart
Palacio Cueto
6) Palacio Cueto
Referred to as the finest Art Nouveau example, Palacio Cueto is one of the masterpieces of Arturo Márquez. Finished in 1906, it displays Gaudí-esque details and the richly-ornate facade distinguishes it from all of the other surrounding buildings. A renovation is planned in order to restore the building's proper look.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Esteban De Sousa
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