Havana Attractions
Old Havana © Tommyimages.com
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
This historic section of Cuba's capital was founded in 1519 and
for centuries was an important naval port of colonial Spain. Being
in such a strategic position the city was targeted by pirates and
was fought over on numerous occasions and the ruins of the
defensive walls that surrounded the city can still be seen. The Old
City now also contains museums, hotels, restaurants and shops
lining the original cobble-stoned streets. Surrounding the
picturesque squares (plazas) are beautiful restored colonial
buildings with grand facades, and striking churches that form a
magnificent setting for the late afternoon chess and domino games
and salsa music. Plaza de Armas was the seat of power in Cuba for
400 years, from where the Spanish Captain's General, US military
governors and Cuban president were based, and today is home to an
interesting book market. During the years of Prohibition in the
United States, Habana Vieja turned into a playground for Americans
who flocked here for the cheap liquor, gambling, prostitution and
flamboyant lifestyle. One of the district's most famous bars is La
Bodeguita Del Medio, which was the favoured haunt of legendary US
writer, Ernest Hemingway.
