The Capitol: one of the most beautiful buildings in Havana.
September 25th, 2008 by Regino Rodriguez, under Vacations. No Comments
Most likely the most significant and stunning building in Havana City is the Capitol building. A visit to this amazing estate of the art palace is something you should not miss while visiting Havana.
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.
Neither is it known that the definitive construction the Capitol was many time delayed because its high cost on one hand; and to the political indecisions, on the other. Then, on March 1926, the construction of the Capitol began finally.
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 team that participated in the carrying out of the definitive plans of the Capitol was also integrated by engineers and Cuban architects under the artistic direction and technique of the architect Eugenio Raynieri Piedra. Its total cost was about 17 million pesos, equivalent to the same quantity in 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.
The statue of the Republic of Cuba, inspired in the Havanan model Lily Vlty, has the third place in the world of the highest sculptures indoors. It was installed in 1929, in the room of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos). It was made by Angelo Zanelli who also used this model to sculpt the statues of the central piazza.
Visiting the Capitol of Havana is just an amazing trip to the past. It was built to resemble the one in the United States, but in its rooms you will find a lot of history hidden behind its columns. Your vacation will be complete when you experience this visit. Do not miss the chance.
