Havana Attractions
Revolution Plaza © Judith Duk
Plaza de la Revolución
Dominated by the imposing José Martí Memorial, the
gigantic square has seen numerous political rallies, and the podium
in front of the memorial is where important political figures like
Fidel Castro have addressed more than a million Cubans on important
occasions, such as 1 May and 26 July each year. At the foot of the
memorial is a museum dedicated to José Martí, a
national hero who would certainly have become Cuba's first
president had he survived the Second War of Independence in 1895.
It is possible to take the elevator to the top of the 138ft (42m)
memorial, the highest structure in the city. Located behind the
memorial are the closely guarded offices of Castro. Opposite the
memorial on the far side of the square is the much-photographed Che
Guevara image with the slogan
Hasta la Victoria Siempre
(Forever Onwards Towards Victory) that identifies the Ministry of
the Interior building.
Opening time: Memorial: Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm;
Admission: Memorial: CUC 5
