Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
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Vaporetto: A Spot We Keep Coming Back To, Warming Both Stomachs
Olivia Williams
252
Catedral de San Cristobal, or Havana Cathedral, is one of eleven Catholic cathedrals in Cuba. This stunning edifice is nestled in the Plaza de la Catedral on Calle Empedrado, between San Ignacio Mercaderes, Habana Vieja, and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Cristobal de la Habana. The thirty by forty-nine meter rectangular church previously housed Christopher Columbus' remains from 1796 to 1898, prior to their transfer to Seville Cathedral. The gravestone was inscribed with the words "Oh Remains and Image of Great Columbus, Be Preserved One Thousand Years in the Funerary Urn." The remains were later returned to Spain in 1898 after the Cuban War of Independence. Havana Cathedral is a magnificent Roman Catholic Cathedral of which natural coral stone were used to build. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The cathedral's baroque façade is instantly recognizable, with two large, asymmetrical bell towers framing the grandiose stone exterior, considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. This 18th-century baroque cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is one of the oldest cathedrals in America. The adjacent Plaza de la Cathedral is usually the most crowded tourist spot in Old Havana, providing an impressive and historical setting. Its façade a true marvel, especially in the afternoon when bathed in sunlight. When accessible, the interior offers a fascinating glimpse, striking a balance between sobriety and intrigue. With no admission fee and no guided tours available, visitors are free to explore at their leisure. As a historic cathedral, it proudly showcases a blend of colonial and modern art, welcoming visitors with complimentary admission and providing leg wraps for women as required, all within the picturesque setting of a colonial plaza. Our visit to the cathedral took place at noon. It was exceptionally hot, to the point where we felt like we were melting. Unfortunately, the church was closed, denying us the opportunity to admire its beautiful interior. This site is a top tourist recommendation. Visiting in the morning or evening is advised. We heard that the cathedral's nighttime view is breathtaking. If possible, visit the cathedral in the morning and at night.
C Khan
00
The baroque façade of Catedral is instantly recognizable. Two large, asymmetrical bell towers frame the grandiose stone exterior, considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. In contrast, the Neo-Classical interior is much more understated. It was hard not to feel underwhelmed after visiting so many ornate churches in Europe, but that didn’t mean we still didn’t appreciate the simplicity of the Cathedral’s beauty. The Cathedral was not originally called Catedral de San Cristóbal. It was renamed this in 1796, when it began housing relics of Christopher Columbus. Well, at least that’s the popular belief, but there are no official records to prove that.
Xavier Ortega
00
Кафедральный собор Гаваны - очень красивое здание в стиле колониального барокко. Нельзя не согласиться с кубинским писателем Алехо Карпентьером, сказавшем о нём: "музыка, замершая в камне"! Собор имеет квадратную форму с размерами 34 на 35 метров, строился рабами из кораллового известняка, добытого с берегового шельфа (если приглядеться, можно увидеть в стенах и в колоннах остатки кораллов и раковин). Строился собор очень долго: с 1748 по 1777 год, освящён его в 1789 году. В 1796 году собор получил имя святого Христофора (покровителя Гаваны), до этого он носил название собора Девы Марии Непорочного Зачатия. Правая башня более широкая, чем та, что расположена слева. Это единственный пример подобного рода в мировой барочной архитектуре. Причина такой ассиметрии в том, что площадь часто заливало при дожде, и для свободного оттока воды требовалось больше места. Внутренний интерьер поражает богатством убранства! Над алтарём находятся три фрески работы итальянца Джузеппе Перовани. Стены украшены копиями картин Рубенса и Мурильо, а также оригинальными работами французского художника Жан-Батиста Вермея. В соборе установлена статуя святого Христофора, выполненная в 1632 году севильским скульптором Мартином Андуяром. На одной из стен находится скульптура Христа, распятого на кресте. Эта и другие скульптурные композиции, включая алтари, изготовлены в Риме итальянским скульптором Бианчини. Также в соборе установлена скульптура папы римского Иоанна Павла II. С 1796 по 1898 годы в соборе покоился прах Христофора Колумба (сейчас хранится в Севильском соборе в Испании). Собор (как и вся прилегающая площадь) в 1982 году был внесён ЮНЕСКО в список объектов всемирного наследия человечества.
Михаил Цветов
00
It’s located in a beautiful square in the northern part of the Old Town. Its facade is pleasant to see with its two steeples, especially in the afternoon, the sun illuminates the building. This 18th century baroque cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is one of the oldest cathedrals in America. When it is open (often before and after the service), the interior is interesting to watch, while being very sober. Admission is free, there is no guide available for a visit.
Ruiz Rafael
00
Our tour guide took us to this stunning Baroque cathedral during our Havana day trip. This 17th-century cathedral is one of the most beautiful and elegant examples of architecture in Old Havana. It also holds significant historical importance, as it once housed the remains of Christopher Columbus before they were moved to Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute must-visit if you're planning a trip to Havana from your resort or staying in the city itself.
Amartya Ghosal
00
Nearby Attractions Of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
Central Park
Old Town Square
Iberostar Selection Parque Central
Fort of San Carlos of the Cabin
Plaza de la Catedral
Plaza de Armas
Iberostar Grand Packard
Christ of Havana
Hotel Inglaterra
Sevilla
Central Park
4.6
(1.6K)
Click for details
Old Town Square
4.6
(1.4K)
Click for details
Iberostar Selection Parque Central
4.6
(1.3K)
Click for details
Fort of San Carlos of the Cabin
4.6
(1.2K)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
La Bodeguita Del Medio
El Floridita Bar
Paladar Doña Eutimia
Los Mercaderes
Los Nardos
Antojos
ChaChaChá Bar-Restaurante
Cafe El Dandy
Sibarita Habana
D'Next Bar Cafeteria
La Bodeguita Del Medio
4.3
(2.2K)
$$
Click for details
El Floridita Bar
4.4
(1.9K)
$$
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Paladar Doña Eutimia
4.4
(527)
$$
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Los Mercaderes
4.7
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
156 Empedrado, La Habana, Cuba
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Phone
+53 7 8617771
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Website
arquidiocesisdelahabana.org
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Description
Havana Cathedral is one of eleven Catholic cathedrals on the island. It is located in the Plaza de la Catedral on Calle Empedrado, between San Ignacio y Mercaderes, Old Havana, Havana, Cuba. The thirty by forty-nine meters rectangular church serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of San Cristóbal de la Habana.
attractions: Central Park, Old Town Square, Iberostar Selection Parque Central, Fort of San Carlos of the Cabin, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Iberostar Grand Packard, Christ of Havana, Hotel Inglaterra, Sevilla, restaurants: La Bodeguita Del Medio, El Floridita Bar, Paladar Doña Eutimia, Los Mercaderes, Los Nardos, Antojos, ChaChaChá Bar-Restaurante, Cafe El Dandy, Sibarita Habana, D'Next Bar Cafeteria
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