5 Amazing Things to See in Havana

If you're heading out to Havana (holidays in Cubaservice is held.
almost invariably start here), then you'll need to knowSan Carlos de La Cabaña
what to see and what to do. You'll doubtless findEvery day at 9pm a canon is fired from the fortress
many guides both at home and in your hotel in Cuba,of San Carlos, a ceremony that can be heard in
not to mention the recommendations of friends whomany of the luxury hotels in Cuba's capital! Built in the
have been to Havana before, but it's difficult tosecond half of the 18th century, San Carlos de la
know which ones to trust. The following sites areCabaña remains one of the largest colonial
worth the attention of any holidaymaker in Cuba andfortresses in the Americans. It boasts quite a
should be on the itinerary of anybody interested infearsome history, with a number of rebels, including
exploring the city.the poet Juan Clemente Zenea, having been
Museo de la Revoluciónexecuted within its walls. It has spent most of its life
A must for any visitor to Cuba (on holidays, businessas a military prison, until after the revolution, at which
trips or more), the Museum of the Revolution ispoint it was used as Ernesto Guevara's headquarters.
housed in what was once the presidential palace.The structure itself is an impressive sight and the
Containing many items of great historical interest, theinterior contains a remarkable museum of colonial
collection extends from the liberation of the islandweaponry.
from Spanish rule to the revolution of the mid-20thLas Manos
century. Inside you will see a wide range of media,The Manos ("Hands") Art Gallery sells a variety of
from historical documents to photographs and videoscrafts and artworks made by the locals of Havana
as well as sculptures of famous Cuban figures.and Cuba in general. Many of the objects on sale are
Outside the museum you will see the 'Granma'inspired by the island's Afro-Cuban culture, and make
memorial, a tribute to the vessel that brought Castrofantastic souvenirs to remind you of your Cuba
and many other revolutionaries back to Cubaholidays. Among the items on offer are cigar cases,
following their exile in Mexico. Nearby is anAfrican-style masks, and leather goods such as
ever-burning flame at the base of a list of all ofhandbags, jackets and hats. Prices range from
those who gave their lives for the sake of themodest to extravagant, to accommodate any taste
revolution.or mood!
Iglesia de La MercedEstadio Latinoamericano
The 'Church of Mercy' is a famously beautiful building,If you haven't heard so before, you may be
and one that lingers in the memories of all whosurprised to learn that baseball is Cuba's national
wander past its ornate architecture on their Havanasport. For this reason the Latin-American Stadium is
holidays. Dating back to 1637, it was originallyan intricate complex of world-class facilities that can
founded by an order known as the 'Monks of Mercy'.house up to 55,000 excited fans. There are even
It was a task that continued for many generations,coffee shops and conference rooms to house the
the final touches to the interior being applied by theheated post-match discussion... The National League
Pauline Fathers in 1867. Famous Cuban artists whoselasts for six months and encompasses over 90
work can be seen in the frescoes and decorationsgames. Players who excel in these games may be
include Esteban Chartrand, Juan Crossa and Aurelioselected for international and Olympic duty, a great
Melero. The major festival held in this church is thehonour for any sportsman. You can often organise
'Day of Mercies' which occurs on the 24th oftickets through your hotel or travel agency and we'd
September. On this date the church is filled withrecommend doing so, it may turn out to be the
followers of many religions, dressed all in white, and ahighlight of you Havana holiday!