Sightseeing in Havana

Overview

With a rich past covering centuries of colonial rule and revolutionary struggles, Havana is blessed with an abundant architectural and cultural legacy that includes forts, churches, museums, city plazas, and famous homes.  There are enough sights and experiences to last you weeks on your medical tourism vacation.

San Cristobel Cathedral

This cathedral, built along baroque lines, is one of the most visited sights in Havana.  The Jesuits began construction in 1748, but the cathedral wouldn’t be completed until 1777 when the Franciscans were in charge.  A neoclassical makeover in the 19^th century has left the interiors of the cathedral almost austere, but the vaulted ceilings and impressive stone pillars make up for the starkness.

The Cementerio de Colon

For a slightly macabre experience on your medical tourism trip, head to the Cementerio de Colon, a vast burial ground that stretches out across 140 acres.  Named after Christopher Columbus, the Colon Cemetery includes more than 500 vaults, family chapels, crypts, and mausoleums.  In total, more than 800,000 graves vie for space in this elaborate cemetery, and famous residents include film and music personalities, novelists, eminent clergy men, military heroes, baseball players, even an American congressman.  There are also monuments to fire fighters who died in the great fire of 1890, revolutionary soldiers, as well as baseball players of the Cuban League.

The National Fine Arts Museum

One of the city’s best museums, the National Fine Arts Museum houses an extensive collection of Cuban, as well as international art and sculpture.  The international collection features mainly classical and neoclassical works of European masters, and a few American and Latin American art works.  However, it’s the staggering display of Cuban art that is the most impressive.

Museo de la Ciudad

This ornate building is a fine example of the architectural style that’s known as Cuban baroque, and was the seat of the country’s government for more than 100 years.  Today, its large rooms hold artifacts from the Spanish colonial era.  Don’t miss a visit to the Throne Room with its ornate throne that was meant to be used when Spanish kings and queens came visiting.

Callejon de Hammel

For the shutter bug medical tourism traveler, there is no better place to capture quintessential Cuban images than the Callejon de Hammel.  This two block street is covered with the brightly colored paintings of artist Salvador Gonzalez.  Buildings are covered with gaudy murals, most of them based on West African cults and religions.  There are small art galleries, open-air food stalls, and lively crafts bazaars.  Afro-Cuban music constantly plays, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. 

Medical Tourism Articles	Medical Tourism Blogs
Advertise With Us