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It is an unmissable and sacred place in Havana, beating to the rhythm of itspeople; a true relic of the city that proudly greets thebay.

Plaza de Armas is a unique place in the Cuban capital, the heartof Old Havana. Not even the pandemic managed to take away itscharm, its centuries-old pride carved into the stones of itsstreets and palaces, keeping it one of the most beloved by Cubansand tourists.

The square was, in its original version, the founding pointof Havana, the place from which the city grew on a shore of thesea and where the civil and military authorities resided. For many years it was also hometo the Parish Church, then, following several renovationworks, it changed its appearance until reaching what it istoday.

To its ancient appearance are added buildings still emblematic of theCuban capital, such asEl Templete –built where, according to legend, the firstmass and the first town council were held,the Castillo de la Real Fuerzawith its iconic statue ofLa Giraldilla,the Palacio del Segundo Cabo built as the Post Office andIntendancy Palace – and the palaceof the Capitanes Generalesseat of the colonial government, all jewels of Havana'sheritage.

Many are the stories and legends that accompany this place; many, itsreal and symbolic riches that make it great in the historyof Cuba. Plaza de Armas is much more than a tourist postcard,with its palaces and pigeons, or the memory of the ancient power of theSpanish metropolis.