St. Francisco de Asís Basilica — Attraction in Plaza Vieja

The basilica and the monastery of San Francisco de Asis (Saint Francis of Assisi) were built in Havana, Cuba at the end of 16 c. (1580–91) as the home of the Franciscan community, and were altered in the baroque style in 1730. The church was used for their worship by the English during the year in which they ruled Havana. When it returned to Spanish rule, they chose not to use it as a church. It is now used for concerts. Attached to the Basilica is a bell tower (138-ft). Originally a statue of St. Francis of Assisi stood on the top of the bell tower but it was destroyed by a cyclone in 1846. Today a statue of Fray Junípero Serra with Juaneño Indian boy stand next to...

Its is no longer a place of worship. Today the church, with its excellent acoustics, is one of Havana's finest concert hall and the venue of a regular series of classical, choral, and contemporary concerts. Although no.longer is use by monk, the former convent with its exquisite cloister and serene courtyard is off limits...

The church was one of my favorite buildings in Havana, with history and culture around every corner. Another stop that was low in admission price, we had full reign of the church both upstairs and down. Take your time because there is plenty to see, make sure to go upstairs and see both the view of the nave and...