To go sightseeing in Havana means also visiting the Plaza de la Catedral, a virtuous place with cobbled streets, full of beauty and senses, a place where thousands of people from all over the world get together each month, as tourist guides recall it.

Originally known as Plaza de la Cinaga (Swamp Square), and then named "Plaza de la Catedral", it is a place that has much to do with the origins of the capital city, settled definitively on the 16th of November 1519 along the Puerto de Carenas (Havana's harbour), or Baha de la Habana.

Late in the 18th century and after many refurbishment to a religious building which eventually became The Cathedral of Havana Cathedral the Square was to be known as The Cathedral Square. The Cathedral it self is just amazing. On its facades the best baroque architecture of Havana can be appreciated which contrast with its complete Neoclassic style in the interior. Beautiful buildings surround the this church harmonizing with the splendour of the square.

Numerous important gatherings take place in this astonishing little spot of Havana. Festival, music concerts and gala dinners for important groups have found the perfect venue in Cathedral Square. The weather is always nice and the atmosphere can not be better. Surrounded by a magnificent architecture and serenaded by some always excellent Cuban music can be the ideal perfect evening.

As a special feature, one of the nearby alleys is the seat of the most famous Cuban restaurant: La Bodeguita del Medio which reaffirms its quality after serving for more than 60 years since its foundation.It is an emblematic restaurant for the Cuban tourism, with the walls full of around two million autographs of all clients from different time periods, and photographs left by outstanding figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Mario Benedetti, Pablo Neruda or Errol Fryn.

The list of celebrities is long, including cinema artists, painters, politicians, dancers and musicians, both foreign and Cuban, where this country's national poet Nicols Guilln (deceased) had his space too.

During day time the square becomes crowded with visitors who come to experience the splendour of its walls. The music, the cocktails and specially the characters that can be found here make it a unique place in Havana. You will find an old lady that reads the cards, the one that poses with a huge cigar and the ones that dance all the time even when there is no music playing.

The best hotels in Havana are just few minutes walk from this square. To avoid taxis and unnecessary hassle just book your self in one of the boutique hotels in The Old Town and you will be able to just walk outside and enjoy a caf in any of these captivating squares. If you need any assistance or advice you can always contact us as we will be very happy to share our expertise with you.