Havana Cathedral, Old havana

Visit the iconic Catedral de La Habana (Havana Cathedral) in Old Havana, Cuba

Havana Cathedral, Old havana
© Gustavo Rivas

The Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana (San Cristóbal Cathedral of Havana), or Catedral de La Habana (Havana Cathedral), is an area of worship located in the Plaza de la Catedral in the historic sector of Old Havana. Its distinct baroque facade and two differently sized side towers catches the eye, but it is the cathedral’s historical, religious, artistic, and cultural significance that make it an Old Havana icon.

Havana Cathedral
© Jennifer Osborne

Construction on the cathedral began in 1748. The Jesuit Order wanted to erect an oratory dedicated to Saint Ignatius in the cathedral, but left it unfinished after being expelled from the New World. It was not until 1778, when Bishop Felipe José de Trespalacios resumed construction, that the Havana Cathedral was transformed into the one visitors see today dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, whose image can be found in the main altar.

The cathedral is considered the epitome of Cuban baroque architecture. However, it is often grouped in with more recent Tucson and European architectural movements. It is this combination of styles that makes the cathedral unique. Inside, the cathedral is stroked with gold and the altars are abundant with sculptures commissioned to Bianchini, an Italian artist. You can also find tombs of famous Cubans.

Over the years the cathedral has undergone several changes. One of the most significant alterations: the removal of the burial monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Today, it can be found in the Catedral de Sevilla in Sevilla, Spain.

More information:

Location:

San Ignacio esq. Empedrado, La Habana - Cuba.

Opening Times:

Open until 12:00 am.

Ticket Price:

Free.

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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