Capitolio Nacional de Cuba, Havana

Discover the monumental Capitolio de La Habana, the iconic Cuban capital building.

Capitolio Nacional de Cuba, Havana
© Liliana Neret

The Capitolio de La Habana (Havana Capitol), also known as the Capitolio Nacional de Cuba (Cuban National Capitol), is one of the most popular and interesting places in the capital. It was originally intended to be a presidential palace. Its beautiful and classic architecture, inspired by other European styles, and the structure and decoration distinguishes it from all other buildings. This makes it one of the best architectural works and national monuments in Cuba. It is located in Centro Habana and it is a must-see when you visit the area.

Capitolio Nacional de Cuba
© Pablo Trincado

The construction of the Capitolio Nacional de Cuba finished in 1929 during Gerardo Machado's presidency. At that time Cuba was experiencing a period of the economic boom caused by the surge of the star product of the island: sugar. So part of this new income was allocated to its construction.

Interior of the Capitolio
© Wilder Mendez

Many architects and workers took part in it, but Eugenio Raynieri Piedra was the main technical director and in charge of the artistic part of the project. During its construction, every detail was taken into account and the best materials were used, even importing from countries like France and Italy. The famous Pantheon of Paris, in Europe, was also greatly incorporated into the design of the building. However, its appearance is very similar to Washington D.C.'s Capitol. It is clear that hard work was put into each wall, ceiling, and column making it one of the best buildings of its style, including on an international scale.

Many parts of the capital stand out for their architectural excellence. The dome, for example, which is 62 m long and made of stone, crowns the building with its perfect symmetry and its golden details. The sculpture that tops the roof was made in the 16th century by the sculptor Giambologna. The building has recently undergone a restoration process to restore its original lustre.

Under the dome, on the upper floor, there is an exact replica of a 25-carat diamond.

But the most popular space in the building is the Salón de los Pasos Perdidos, named after its acoustics, where, among Greek columns, shiny floors and gigantic windows, is the Estatua de La República (Statue). It is a huge bronze sculpture, 14.60 metres high, depicting a warrior woman, with her shield, Greek attire and a lance, symbolising the work and virtue of the people.

There are also four other rooms that stand out for their beauty and architectural style. To the north and right of the building is the Salón Baire, an old conference room and Cámara de Representantes (Chamber of Representatives); then there is the Salón Bolívar, with Venetian mirrors and original furniture; the Salón Baraguá, which also conserves the original neoclassical furniture and decoration; and the Salón Martí, of Renaissance style and beautiful colours.

In 2010, Capitolio Nacional de Cuba has declared a National Heritage site.

More Information:

Location:

Centro Habana, La Habana, Cuba.

Hours:

9:00 - 20:00.

Ticket Price

3 CUC without a guide, 4 CUC with a guide.

Interactive map:

Havana:

Old Havana

Parque Histórico Militar Morro Cabaña

Centro Habana

Vedado

Miramar

What to see around Havana

Other nearby destinations:

Why "Cuban Travel Agency"?

"Cuban Travel Agency" is part of the Visitar Cuba project, an organization of Cuban agencies whose objectives are:

✓ Disseminate Cuba, its culture and its heritage.
✓ Promote sustainable tourism.
✓ Support the local economy, prioritizing direct contact with Cuban agencies.
✓ Offer budgets without commitment and without cost, from the hand of Cuban experts.

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