Iglesia del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje (Church of the Good Voyage), Havana

The Iglesia del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje was constructed in mid 17th century and in 1693, it was certified as a parish church by the most distinguished priest of the Cuban episcopate - Bishop Avelino de Compostela.

Built at a time in which transatlantic crossings were risky, it acquired popularity during colonial times as a temple dedicated to travelers and navigators. Travelers and especially sailors would visit before leaving on a journey, and to pay their respects upon arriving back on land. There's a picture of Christ on the Cross inside the church, which is believed to keep travelers from harm.

Later during Cuba's republican era, the devotion to Santa Rita was added to the church.

The Iglesia Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje is distinguished for its simplicity, symmetry and baroque façade; it is also notable for its twin hexagonal towers, the tower of the Epistle and the tower of the Gospel. The latter contains four bells, the oldest was cast in the year 1515. There is an outward flaring arch over the entryway. The nave has a Hispano-moorish Mudéjar wood ceiling and an ancient crucifix which is over three centuries old.

The Iglesia Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje was the last station on the Stations of the Cross, a procession that started at the old St Francis church and proceeded to el Santo Cristo through Calle Amargura. The church and its Plaza have received penitents in need of spiritual rest and comfort for centuries.