National Capitol

About this place

The National Capitol, known as El Capitolio, is a huge public building in central Havana, 207 metres long and 91 metres wide. Its dome, almost 92 metres high, is among the main features of the city's skyline. It is often compared with the United States Capitol, but it is not a replica and has a design of its own. President Gerardo Machado commissioned it, and it was built from April 1926 to 1929 under Eugenio Rayneri Piedra, on land that had been a railway terminal. It took more than 5,000 workers, three years, three months and twenty days, and about 17 million dollars. Its dome remained the highest point in Havana until 1956. On 30 August 2019 the city historian marked the end of its renovation. From outside you see a broad stair rising to a row of columns, two long wings of pale stone and the dome above the centre, with palm trees around. Inside, if entry is allowed, stands the Statue of the Republic, among the largest indoor statues in the world. Old cars wait in front, the setting for many visitors' best-known photos. It is about 1 km from Plaza Vieja in a straight line and a similar distance from the cathedral, so it is easy on foot. Times for inside tours change, so ask at the entrance. Photos are best in the morning or just before sunset. 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.