Travel and Vacations

Travel Destinations: The Capitolio – Havana, Cuba

Story Published on September 29, 2008 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

One of the most astonishing buildings in Havana is The Capitolio. Since it was built in the 1930′s is has become jewel of the Cuban architecture and the pride of the locals and the joy of the tourists.

In the area that today is occupied by The Capitol building, there was a swamp before, cleaned and transformed into what was known as the first and only Botanical Garden in Cuba in the Nineteenth Century.

The start of the project of building the Capitol was delayed in many occasions mainly due to the political instability; but in 1926 the construction of what was going to be the Chamber of Representatives of Cuba Finally began.

The majestic building was inaugurated on Thursday May 20, in the afternoon, with the presence of the president of the Republic and the diplomatic corps accredited in the Island in that time.

The group that took part in the planning of the construction of the Capitol was also joined together by engineers and Cuban architects under the capable hands of Eugenio Raynieri Piedra of a renowned architected famous for his artistic designs. The total cost of the project reached the 17 million dollars.

To any walker, the dome of the Capitol of Havana can with no trouble attract his/her interest, fifth in the world of Renaissance style that, for its dimensions and outline, it copies that of Washington, San Pedro’s Basilica, in Rome and San Pauls Cathedral in London. The Cupola is the second higher building peak of the metropolis, following the tower of the Monument to Mart in the Revolution Square.

Another detail that attracts is the central piazza, supported by 17 ionic columns of granite. In it, the three big brass doors that give access to the main floor and the bas-reliefs stand out due to its beauty.

It has been about eight decades since the Capitol building was finished in Cuba. It stands out for its monolithic construction considered among the three most important in Latin America and no doubt about it the most impressive building in Cuba.

In the main hall there is a huge diamond which represents the starting point of the National High Way that goes all along the island. This project was also finished together with the construction of the Capitol.

The statue of the Republic of Cuba, inspired in the Havanan model Lily Vlty, has the third place in the world of the highest sculptures indoors. It was installed in 1929, in the room of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos). It was made by Angelo Zanelli who also used this model to sculpt the statues of the central piazza.

Visiting the Capitol of Havana is just an amazing trip to the past. It was built to resemble the one in the United States, but in its rooms you will find a lot of history hidden behind its columns. Your vacation will be complete when you experience this visit. Do not miss the chance.

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