Cámara Oscura, Havana

The Dark Chamber (Cámara Oscura) in Old Havana is an intriguing attraction located in the Old Square (Plaza Vieja). The Chamber is perched atop a 35-meter tower within the Gómez Vila building, offering panoramic views of Havana's cityscape, including its rooftops and architectural splendors.

Constructed by the English SIDEN Optical Company, the Dark Chamber's design is inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci's principles, drawing on historical insights into the manipulation of light documented by Aristotle 2300 years ago. Da Vinci, a Renaissance luminary, played a pivotal role in the conceptualization of the Dark Chamber, although it did not materialize until the 15th century.

Inaugurated in April 2001, the Havana Dark Chamber was a gift from the Provincial Council of Cádiz, facilitated by Eusebio Leal, the Historian of Havana. It found its home atop the Gómez Vila building, an edifice completed in 1909 that initially served to accommodate the Ministry of Foreign Trade and later transitioned to a real estate agency in 2002.

The device operates on an optical phenomenon, capturing and projecting the city's dynamics onto a concave screen 1.80 meters in diameter through a periscope system positioned 38.6 meters high. This system, utilizing lenses and mirrors, vividly illustrates the life and architecture within a 5 km radius, offering a 360º panoramic view that encapsulates four centuries of Havana's architectural and cultural heritage.

The Dark Chamber provides cultural enrichment, allowing visitors to engage with Havana's history. Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, and Italian, enhancing the educational experience for a diverse audience.