Catedral
de San Cristóbal
Calle Empedrado 156
Plaza de la Catedral
La Habana Vieja
Tel: 7/861-7771
This
is Old Havana's classic cathedral. The plaza fronting the
cathedral and the church's baroque facade, with its asymmetrical
towers, are the most visited attractions in Habana Vieja.
Inside, the cathedral is simple, almost to the point of
austerity, thanks to a radical 19th-century neoclassical
makeover. Still, the vaulted ceilings, massive stone pillars,
and modest collection of art and antiquities certainly make
it worth a visit. Of these, the 17th-century wooden sculpture
of Saint Christopher is quite interesting -- note the shortened
legs, which were cut in order to get the piece into place.
Despite the official visiting hours listed below, the church
is frequently closed tight. If you're lucky, you might be
able to attend
Mass here at 8pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday,
or at 10:30am on Sunday
Centro
Wifredo Lam
Calle San Ignacio, at the corner of Calle Empedrado
La Habana Vieja
Tel: 7/861-3419
This
little museum and gallery is dedicated to the memory of
Cuba's most treasured modern artist. The museum houses a
sizeable collection of Lam's lithographs and acrylic works,
as well as works of art and sculpture from the artist's
personal collection. There's usually an interesting traveling
exhibit in a separate gallery space. If you want to take
a break, there's a simple cafe in a cool central courtyard
Convento
de Santa Clara de Asis
Calle Cuba No. 610 e/ Sol y Luz
Habana Vieja
La Habana
Tel: +53 7 61 2877 / 61 5043 / 33 5696
One
of the oldest and best of the Spanish colonial monasteries
on the island, this building is now home to the Centro Nacional
de Restauración, Conservación y Museología
or CENCREM (National Centre for Restoration, Conservation
and Museum Studies).
Founded
in 1644 it has, despite its peaceful history, given rise
to many tales and legends of unrequited love and hidden
treasure. No evidence has ever been uncovered to back up
these stories. In 1919 it was sold to the Cuban government.
As well as operating as a museum, there is a gallery showing
contemporary Cuban art.
Admission: $3.00
Disabled
access is available
El
Cristo de La Habana
Loma de Casablanca
La Habana
Havana's
statue of Christ blesses the city from the other side of
the bay, much like the famous Cristo del Corcovado in Rio
de Janeiro. Carved from marble by Jilma Madera, it was erected
in 1958 on a platform which makes a wonderful spot from
which to watch the sun go down. You can reach the statue
by road, or via the picturesque boat which crosses the bay.
A 24 hour snack bar operates at the base.
Disabled access is available.
