Old Town Square — Attraction in Plaza Vieja

The best thing in here is the microbrewery they have, very unique!!!The 16th-century Plaza Vieja has always been a residential rather than a military, religious or administrative space, and is surrounded by elegant colonial residences, combined with a few very striking early 20th-century art nouveau buildings. Over the past 150 years, Plaza Vieja has played host to an open-air food market, a park, an outrageously misjudged car park built by Batista in 1952 (now demolished) and an amphitheatre. However, restoration is gradually re-establishing Plaza Vieja’s original atmosphere; the Carrara showpiece fountain at the center of the square is a replica of the original 18th-century one by Italian sculptor Giorgio Massari that was destroyed by the construction of the car park; and many of the 18th-century residences around the square are now restored with housing on the top floors and commercial establishments, including several small museums and art/photo galleries, on the ground floor.This was the first planned attempt to expand the city in response to Havana’s growth. This was Havana’s third open space after Plaza de Armas and Plaza de San Francisco. It is said that Franciscan monks requested that a new square be constructed where local vendors could carry out their business activities away from the Plaza de San Francisco, where they were hindering the celebration of masses. The new square was completed in 1559 approximately one hundred meters from the convent. It was called precisely Plaza Nueva (Spanish for New Square) and gained in popularity right away. Some authors claim, however, that in fact this was the second square to be built in Havana, before the Plaza de San Francisco.In the 18th century the Plaza Nueva was transformed into a market place. And in 1814, with the emergence of the market at the Plaza del Cristo, it was renamed to Plaza Real, Plaza Mayor, Plaza Fernando VII, Parque Juan Bruno Zayas and Parque Julián Grimau, until it finally received the name of Plaza Vieja (literally, Old Square).During the 17th to the early 20th centuries, the area was developed with residential, commercial and recreational buildings that fortunately maintained coherence, including the majestic Palacio de los Condes de Jaruco and the first exclusive recreational society in Havana, Sociedad Filarmónica, housed in a residence at San Ignacio 352-354. Curiously enough, no religious or military constructions were ever built around the square.In 1908 the old market was demolished to make room for a park which was regrettably transformed into an underground parking garage in 1952. In the 1980s, when Old Havana was listed by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage site, architects and restorers began to work to save the Plaza Vieja. The underground parking garage was torn down and a replica of the original fountain was placed in the center of the square. The buildings surrounding the square were...

This is an ALERT to avoid this type of SCAM in Cuba. DON´T GET SCAMMED!. My boyfriend and me were in Cuba per a week, 4 days in Havana and 4 days in Varadero. In Havana we were SCAMMED by a ornganization of Cubans. While we were walking In Old Havana (Plaza Vieja), we were cornered by a "Nice" Cuban, he told us that day was the last day of the "EL DIA DE LA COOPERATIVA" (the cooperative day). He said that the workers of the Cohiba Factory have been the originals Cohiba -Cuban Cigars to the half of the usual price. He said the normal price of a package of 25 havanos in the Factory were 500 USD but that day was the last day of a discount in "LAS COOPERATIVAS" (the cooperatives). He gained our trust and gave us the way to go there, but before that he asked about our nationality, the place where we stay, the days of our travel in cuba, etc. After that, we walked in the way he said and we were cornered by another cuban called Helio (or this is the name he said), he told us he saw when we arrived to the place we were in havana, he knows our nationality and he said he wanted to join us to LA COOPERATIVA. (In this moment we didn't realize that the information said was the same information that we told to the firt man). We walked around 20 minutes with Helio, He gained our trust , he was super nice. After that, he met with other Cuban and that 3th guy led us to the COOPERATIVA. It was a old and ruined house, and in the second floor had a table with many boxes of Cohiba (25 and 10 havanos). The Selller told us that the price of a Havano´s Box of 25 was 280 CUC (280 USD) but Helio talked with him and the soldier said that the final cost was 220 CUC (220 USD). Unfortunately and ingenously, we accept.

This is a type con SCAM very common in Havana, during the 4 days, more of 10 cubans in the street told us about the "Discount" but it is a SCAM!! Those Havanos cost 20-30 USD in the streets and they are not originals. I denounced the scam to the Embassy, but don´t get scammed to that criminals. Cuba has an special charm and this kind of events can become your vacations in a nightmare!! And Buy the Havanos in the stores and...

Cuba, a land of vibrant colors and timeless rhythms, where the sun kisses the earth with warmth and the sea whispers tales of ancient shores. From the lively streets of Havana to the serene beaches of Varadero, Cuba captivates the soul with its rich tapestry of culture and history.

In Cuba, time seems to dance to the beat of its own drum, where every moment is a celebration of life and resilience. The melodies of salsa and son fill the air, echoing through cobblestone streets adorned with colorful colonial architecture.

But beyond its picturesque landscapes and rhythmic melodies lies the heart of Cuba—the spirit of its people. With unwavering strength and boundless passion, Cubans embrace each day with a zest for life that is as infectious as it is inspiring.

In Cuba, every corner tells a story, every smile reflects a journey, and every sunset paints a masterpiece across the sky. It is a place where simplicity meets beauty, where history and tradition intertwine to create a tapestry of experiences that linger in the heart long after the journey ends.

Cuba, a land of enchantment and wonder, beckons travelers to discover its hidden treasures and embrace the magic of the Caribbean. In its embrace, one finds not just a destination, but a soulful journey that leaves an indelible mark...