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The heart and soul of Havana is the old town
Habana Vieja, declared a Heritage of Mankind Site in 1982
by UNESCO. It was keen to preserve the beauty of its architecture
and promote the historical importance of its role within the
region,
Some of the interesting places to visit are:
Plaza de Armas, centred around a statue of
the patriot Cespedes and emcompassed by shaded marble benches
and second-hand booksellers, is the first public square built
in the city.
Plaza de la Catedral is perhaps the most
beautiful square in the Caribbean which is surrounded by examples
of the finest baroque architecture in the country.
El Templete, small neoclassical temple which
marks the spot where the first Mass was said in 1519.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza is one of the oldest
forts in the Americas, it holds modern art exhibitions downstairs
and the battlements afford good views over the harbour.
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, the seat of
government and governor's residence was transferred from the fort
to the built. The presidential palace and then the municipal palace
until Castro seized power it is now Museo de la Ciudad de la Habana.
Museo de Arte Colonial, fine palace constructed
in 1720, its yellow courtyard and little-altered architectural features
are complemented by a large collection of 17th- and 18th-century
furniture.
Calle Obispo is Old Havana's most important and
smartest thoroughfare, pedestrianized with missile heads as bollards.
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