Ministry of Interior, Havana

Ministry of Interior, Havana

The Ministry of Interior in Havana, referred to as MININT, is a significant institution in the country's political and security landscape. Located in Revolution Square, MININT has been pivotal in safeguarding the Cuban revolutionary government, especially during the tenure of Ramiro Valdes, known for his strict governance. The ministry symbolizes the fervor of the revolution led by Castro and Che Guevara, prominently displaying a large portrait of Che Guevara on its facade, representing his lasting influence and the revolutionary spirit.

Inspired by the Soviet KGB, MININT is known for its effectiveness and severity, often likened to the East German Stasi. Its main responsibilities include a wide range of security and intelligence operations crucial for upholding the stability of the current regime and preventing potential internal threats.

The General Directorate of Intelligence (DGI) is a division within MININT, focusing on gathering foreign intelligence and carrying out covert activities. The DGI's reach extends beyond Cuba, supporting various liberation movements in Latin America and Africa, and maintaining an extensive intelligence network within Cuban expatriate communities in the United States.

Furthermore, the Military Counterintelligence Department, although officially part of the Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces, closely collaborates with MININT to gather information primarily related to the U.S. military. On the domestic front, the Department of State Security (DSE), another crucial component of MININT, holds comprehensive authority to monitor both local elites and the general population, ensuring internal security and conducting domestic counterintelligence operations.

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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Ministry of Interior on Map

Sight Name: Ministry of Interior
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
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
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

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


18 Uniquely Cuban Things to Buy in Havana

18 Uniquely Cuban Things to Buy in Havana

Rum, cigars and revolution have been, perhaps, at least until recently, the three most popular exports from Cuba. Luckily, with the embargo lifted (or soon to be lifted), those traveling to the U.S. might soon be able to pick up some of these (with the exception of revolution, perhaps) on their way...
Cuban Sweets and Pastries

Cuban Sweets and Pastries

On the tropical island where sugar cane is one of the main commodities along with the rum made of the very same sugar, and where the enormous abundance of tropical fruits make up a great deal of the local diet, it is only natural to expect the richness of dessert cuisine. Pair it with the strong...