Monday 16 May 2011

Buildings and Architecture in Havana


My first visit to Havana was like most Tourists in Cuba as a day trip from an all inclusive beach resort.   I am not really sure what I expected to  find in this City that for all of my Life had been the Capitol of a Country that had all those missiles.   
 What I did find was an incredible City of Colonial Architecture occupied by the most hospitable people I have ever met.    Some visitors will say they think Havana is a crumbling shadow of Her former glory, I disagree.   I feel that Havana is the absolute hidden gem of the Caribbean. 
  Bursting at the seams with fascinating places and incredible buildings. 

Perhaps because I restore and renovate Heritage Homes myself I fell immediately in Love with Havana.   It is to be honest a renovators dream,  everywhere you look are incredible examples of Colonial and Moorish influenced Architecture.    Much of it in dire need of a helping hand.  
When Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World heritage site in 1982 Havana began Her long road back to glory.   The restoration is massive and ongoing, but of course there is still much to do.   There are quite a few People who have expressed the thought that  Cuba in general and perhaps Havana in particular should be left to rot and die alone.    

That would be a tragic loss for everyone who has ever visited this place and who someday might like to.    There is no other place on earth that has the density and quality of Colonial era Architecture.   It is important for all of us that it be restored and preserved.  
 Imagine the loss if the former Presidential Palace that now houses the Museum of the Revolution were allowed to crumble.   This incredible Masterpiece was decorated by Tiffany of New York and is an absolute wonder to behold, from it's soaring 6 storey rotunda to the incredible marble and mosaic floors. 
  Everywhere you look in Havana you see incredible examples of Architecture and the results of Master Craftsmen.  That is why Havana is one of the best places in the World to walk.  There is something new to be seen around each corner.

Without a doubt there are many things in Cuba that need to be changed or modernized but Havanas Architecture is not one of them. 

The best way to experience these wonders is with one of our very popular walking tours.  Come and check out what we have to offer.  http://www.havanadiscoverytours.com/

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