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.
In the area that today is occupied by The Capitol building, there was a swamp before, cleaned and transformed into what was known as the first and only Botanical Garden in Cuba in the Nineteenth Century.
The development project of the Capitol did not begin until 1926 due to a great deal of political instability and complexity of the project it self. Once it started it only took 3 years to be finished into the same shape that visitors can admire today.
The grand structure was unveiled on Thursday May 20 just after mid day with the attendance of the president of the Republic of Cuba and the rest of the government cabinet ruling the island at that time.
The group that took part in the planning of the construction of the Capitol was also joined together by engineers and Cuban architects under the capable hands of Eugenio Raynieri Piedra of a renowned architected famous for his artistic designs. The total cost of the project reached the 17 million dollars.
To any pedestrian, the dome of the Capitol of Havana can easily draw his/her attention, fifth in the world of Renaissance style that, for its proportions and silhouettes, it remembers to San Pedro’s Basilica, in Rome. The dome is the second higher point of the city, preceded by the Monument to Mart in the Revolution Square.
A further detail that captivates everyone is the central piazza, which is escorted by 17 ionic columns of granite and in its facade; the three huge mahogany doors that give access to the main floor all three decorated with engraving recalling events of the history of Cuba.
The Capitol of Havana has more than 7 decades of having been founded already. The monumental building that does not have any similar in other parts of the world and that it is considered as the third in importance for their monolithic construction, constitutes the only of its type built in this century.
In the main hall there is a huge diamond which represents the starting point of the National High Way that goes all along the island. This project was also finished together with the construction of the Capitol.
It also houses the 3rd biggest statue inside a building in the world and it represents The Republic of Cuba. Angelo Zanelli an Italian artist sculpted it inspired on a famous Cuban model. It was unveiled in 1929, in the Hall of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos).
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.
