Havana Cathedral

About this place

Havana Cathedral is a stone church on the Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana and the seat of the Archdiocese of San Cristóbal de la Habana. The building measures 30 by 49 metres and is known for its carved stone front and two towers. It is one of eleven Catholic cathedrals on the island and among the finest sights in the old quarter. The Jesuits began it in 1748 on the site of an earlier church, on land that had been a swamp, drained and used as a naval dockyard. It was finished in 1777 and consecrated in 1782. The remains of Christopher Columbus were kept here from 1796 to 1898, before going to Seville Cathedral. The square before it is still one of the calmest and most attractive in the quarter. Projecting columns and curved lines of limestone fill the front, at their best when the late sun falls on them. Bell towers stand on each side, and old houses with arcades and balconies line the square. From nearby rooftops you can see a red dome with the sea behind, so ask at the cafes about going up. It is about 600 metres from Plaza Vieja in a straight line and about 1 km from Morro Castle across the water. This is a place of worship, so dress modestly and avoid service times, and opening hours vary. The square is worth a visit even if the door is shut. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Cuba because of fuel, power and water shortages, so read the current advice before you plan.