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The Capitol of Havana.

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Written by Jose Mauricio Maurette

Sunday, 08 June 2008

by JoseMauricioMaurette

One of the most astonishing buildings in Havana is The Capitolio. Since it was built in the 1930's is has become jewel of the Cuban architecture and the pride of the locals and the joy of the tourists.

Only few connoisseurs of the Cuban history know that the very first Botanical Garden in Cuba in the 19 Century was located in the land today occupied by the Capitol building.

The start of the project of building the Capitol was delayed in many occasions mainly due to the political instability; but in 1926 the construction of what was going to be the Chamber of Representatives of Cuba Finally began.

The imposing edifice opened its 20 feet doors to the public on Thursday May 20. Every government institution was invited to the unveiling ceremony including the President of the Republic of Cuba and other prestige politic personalities of those times.

The group that took part in the planning of the construction of the Capitol was also joined together by engineers and Cuban architects under the capable hands of Eugenio Raynieri Piedra of a renowned architected famous for his artistic designs. The total cost of the project reached the 17 million dollars.

This building calls for the attention of anyone passing by for its stunning dimensions and shapes. It seconds The Squares of the Revolution as the highest point in capital. Its design resembles those of the Capitol of Washington, The Basilica di San Pietro in Rome and San Paul's Cathedral in London.

A striking aspect of this building is its faade of impressive neoclassic style, with 17 ionic columns of granite and in its three majestic mahogany access doors that lead to the core of the Capitol. All three doors are ornamented with impressions evoking happenings of the history of Cuba.

The Capitol of Havana counts over seven decades since its opening in 1926. The colossal construction is regarded as the third in relevance in Latin America for its monolithic structure and certainly first in Cuba.

There is a huge gem stone embedded on its floor marking the Kilometer No 0 of The National High Way that was also finished together with this building and today it can be admire by everyone who visit it. This huge diamond also separates the two wings on each side of the hall under the dome.

It also accommodates the third tallest sculpture indoors in the whole world and it symbolizes The Republic of Cuba. Angelo Zanelli an Italian artist sculpted it moved by a famous Cuban model with who he was very fond of. It was inaugurated in 1929, in the Hall of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos).

Stopping over at the Capitol of Havana is just a remarkable journey back in history. In its quarters you will discover lots of true stories and anecdotes, concealed behind its pillars. Your holiday will not be fulfilled without a touch of History in Havana and this building certainly is a must.

About the Author:

Jose Mauricio is a Travel Consultant and Tailor Made Holiday organizer specialized in Cuba. He was born in Havana and has a wealth of knowledge about how to make your holiday in havana an unforgettable experience.

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