The Seven Wonders Of Havana - Things To Do In Cuba's Glorious Capital

Recently, for the first time in over 2,200 years theMuseo de la Ciudad The building that now houses
seven wonders of the world were reassessed. OverHavana's museum treasures has a past that predates
100 million people voted and decided that the Greatthe revolution and evokes images of when Cuba was
Wall of China, Rome's Colosseum, Chichen Itza ina non-Communist state. The building once housed the
Mexico, Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, Rio'sisland's colonial governors and was the palace of the
Christ the Redeemer and the Taj Mahal would makeCaptains General. Built in 1791, the museum's exhibits
the best new wonders. Certainly narrowing down thegive a feel of the history of Havana - from the city's
finalists from an initial list of hundreds can have beenfoundation to the present day. The museum naturally
no easy task - most countries can probably compile adevotes a sizable section to the Cuban wars for
list of seven themselves. Cuba, which is of coursenational independence, but also houses a diverse
my speciality, has many architectural and culturalrange of other exhibits showcasing the island's art,
triumphs worthy of celebration. Hell, even Havanaporcelain, paintings, furniture, folklore and archaeology.
itself has enough aesthetic wonder and culturalCapitolio Nacional An important landmark in the centre
heritage for me to wax lyrical for several pages. Inof Havana, the Capitolio Nacional is an impressive site.
the interests of brevity and in matching the arbitraryIt looks remarkably similar to the US Capitol in
figure placed on the number of wonders allowed inWashington DC, and is now home to the National
one world, I shall limit my list to seven sites worthLibrary and Academy of Sciences. Some of its rooms
examining on a Havana holiday. Ladies and Gentlemen,are also used for state events, in a nod to its history
I present (in no particular order) The Seven Wonderswhere it once seated members of the Cuban
of Havana Plaza de la Revolución The enormouscongress. Directly underneath the memorable dome,
square has seen many political rallies and the feel ofan imitation 24 carat diamond is set into the floor,
history and importance of the area is tangible. Thewhich measures the distances between Havana and
square's podium has seen many important politicalall Cuba's other sites. Habana Vieja The old city was
speeches from Fidel Castro and other prominentfounded in 1519, and was often a target for pirates
figures on important days in the Cuban calendar.which explains the dilapidated, yet still imposing,
While Castro is infamous for his long speeches, theremains of Havana's city walls. Nowadays the old city
public events always prove popular, attracting overincludes museums, hotels, shops and restaurants to
1,000,000 Cubans over the years. The square isline the picturesque cobble stoned streets. The plazas
dominated by the impressive José Martíare marked by meticulously restored colonial buildings
memorial - a tower in honour of a national hero killedand attractive churches, which make the perfect
in the 1895 Second war of Independence. At 138backdrop for Havana's old city life as it goes by. The
feet high, the imposing structure is the highest pointregion also includes La Bodeguita Del Medio - a bar
in the city and visitors may take a lift to the verymade famous thanks to its patronage by Mr Ernest
top of the building. Behind the memorial are theHemingway. Museo de la Revolución What used
offices of Fidel Castro himself, and opposite is theto be the Presidential Palace and Cuban Government's
iconic image of Che Guevara that marks the MinistryHQ is now fittingly a museum of the revolution that
of the Interior's building - a staple sight on anysaw them ousted. The building is still aesthetically
Havana holiday. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes Thisastounding, but the insides have changed to house
modern art museum is divided into two distinct part.pieces, photography and documents pertaining to the
The Collección de Arte Cubano is dedicated toCuban Revolution. The building isn't the only imposing
Cuban art created between the 16th and 20thsight upon approach to the museum - out the front
century, while The Collección de Arte Universalis the tank driven by Fidel Castro during the Bay of
has a far wider scope. It includes art from Italian,Pigs battle, and behind is the yacht that brought Che
French and Dutch painters as well as includingGuevara and Fidel Castro from Mexico to Cuba in
artefacts from Latin America and ancient Greece.1956. Aside from these main aesthetic Cuban
Cigar Factories Cuba is practically synonymous withwonders, there are countless other things to do in
the word "cigars" and a visit to one of the threeHavana. It is truly a magnificent city - a one of a kind
major Cuban cigar factories in Havana can give amixture of 1950s America and Caribbean lifestyle. If
good indication as to why. The three main factoriesyou are considering a holiday to Havana, this list will
give tours which allow the visitors to see the handreally help you get into the Cuban spirit and gain an
rolled cigars in production. Partagas is the oldestinsight into the rich history of the city.
factory (founded in 1827) and keeping with traditionEmma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating
hires a reader to entertain the workers by readingCuba, an independent expert in Havana holidays. With
aloud. Partagas and the two other main factories, Laoffices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba offer
Corona and Romeo y Julieta have shops attachedexpert local knowledge for island visitors looking to
which allow visitors to purchase cigars as souvenirs.explore Havana and Varadero.