The historic center of the city, Old Havana, in 1984, was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site entirely with buildings, squares and historical monuments. The general list of attractions included almost 1000 objects. Naturally, this part of the capital is the most famous and most popular among tourists. The absolute majority of places in Havana that are required to visit are located here.

The area begins its history from the time the city was founded - that is, since 1519. After an almost immediate attack by the French, the first major building on the harbor territory was the fortress of La Fuersa, later joined by La Cabaña and El Morro. So Old Havana began exactly from here, from the sea: after the forts were built, even the notorious Francis Drake approached Havana and changed his mind about attacking her.

Having fortified the city properly, it could be easily settled, and for the next two centuries, under the protection of the fortresses, luxurious baroque mansions and slender, neoclassical buildings were erected .The old city was pierced by narrow streets, built up by colonial houses, sometimes - in Moorish style .Traditional building in Old Havana - patio with fountain or sculpture, mezzanine with balcony, premises for servants on the first floor .Over the past years, more than two thirds of the historic buildings of three with more than thousands of buildings were destroyed .Nevertheless, the surviving objects are enough to cover Havana (that is, the Old Town) with the fame of the most beautiful island capital .

Strictly speaking, Old Havana can only be called part of the city near the bay, at one time girded by a fortress wall. What begins next, in the Capitol area, is a more recent building that began in the 18th century. But now Old Havana is also called her, and everything else that can not definitely be attributed to any of the neighboring areas - for example, the fashionable Vedado.

From the side of the water, Old Havana is bounded by the Malecon embankment, a seven-kilometer promenade full of monuments and historic buildings .From it deep into the city leaves the Prado Avenue, the central city avenue, the core of Old Havana and the center of city life .A couple of steps away from it is the stunning building of the former presidential palace, where the Revolution Museum is now located .Moving along the boulevard further, you can go to the great theater of Havana and the Havana Capitol - perhaps the main architectural landmark of the city .The second most important architectural and historical monument of Old Havana is the cathedral in Cienaga square, near La Fuersa .Nearby is the central square of Plaza de Armas .The ancient Church of Iglesia de Nuestra, the Revolution Square with the José Martí monument and the famous Colón cemetery are located on the other side of the Prado and quite far away .

In general, the capital of Cuba - the city is not small, and Old Havana - not a pair of European medieval towns that can be bypassed for half an hour .Of course, in the small streets near the port, it is most pleasant to walk .In old pharmacies, centenary cash registers are still working, floors in stores are lined with ancient marble mosaic, door and window openings are very high .Classical tourist routes usually run from square to square: Arms Square, San Francisco Square, Old and Cathedral Square .Nevertheless, sometimes it's worth to get off the beaten path: even in the historical part of Havana you, after walking only a couple of steps from the trampled path, will be able to contemplate the real life of the Cubans: almost slums, houses in almost emergency condition, colorful local residents .

Bolshoi Theater of Havana, Old Havana

The Havana Capitol, Old Havana

The Cathedral of Havana, Old Havana

José Martí Monument, Old Havana

Museum of the Revolution, Old Havana

Plaza de Armas, Old Havana