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Catedral
de
San
Cristobal,
or
Havana
Cathedral,
is
one
of
eleven
Catholic
cathedrals
in
Cuba.
This
stunning
edifice
is
nestled
in
the
Plaza
de
la
Catedral
on
Calle
Empedrado,
between
San
Ignacio
Mercaderes,
Habana
Vieja,
and
serves
as
the
seat
of
the
Roman
Catholic
Archdiocese
of
San
Cristobal
de
la
Habana.
The
thirty
by
forty-nine
meter
rectangular
church
previously
housed
Christopher
Columbus'
remains
from
1796
to
1898,
prior
to
their
transfer
to
Seville
Cathedral.
The
gravestone
was
inscribed
with
the
words
"Oh
Remains
and
Image
of
Great
Columbus,
Be
Preserved
One
Thousand
Years
in
the
Funerary
Urn."
The
remains
were
later
returned
to
Spain
in
1898
after
the
Cuban
War
of
Independence.
Havana
Cathedral
is
a
magnificent
Roman
Catholic
Cathedral
of
which
natural
coral
stone
were
used
to
build.
It
has
been
recognized
by
UNESCO
as
a
World
Heritage
Site.
The
cathedral's
baroque
façade
is
instantly
recognizable,
with
two
large,
asymmetrical
bell
towers
framing
the
grandiose
stone
exterior,
considered
one
of
the
most
beautiful
in
the
Americas.
This
18th-century
baroque
cathedral
is
dedicated
to
the
Virgin
Mary
and
is
one
of
the
oldest
cathedrals
in
America.
The
adjacent
Plaza
de
la
Cathedral
is
usually
the
most
crowded
tourist
spot
in
Old
Havana,
providing
an
impressive
and
historical
setting.
Its
façade
a
true
marvel,
especially
in
the
afternoon
when
bathed
in
sunlight.
When
accessible,
the
interior
offers
a
fascinating
glimpse,
striking
a
balance
between
sobriety
and
intrigue.
With
no
admission
fee
and
no
guided
tours
available,
visitors
are
free
to
explore
at
their
leisure.
As
a
historic
cathedral,
it
proudly
showcases
a
blend
of
colonial
and
modern
art,
welcoming
visitors
with
complimentary
admission
and
providing
leg
wraps
for
women
as
required,
all
within
the
picturesque
setting
of
a
colonial
plaza.
Our
visit
to
the
cathedral
took
place
at
noon.
It
was
exceptionally
hot,
to
the
point
where
we
felt
like
we
were
melting.
Unfortunately,
the
church
was
closed,
denying
us
the
opportunity
to
admire
its
beautiful
interior.
This
site
is
a
top
tourist
recommendation.
Visiting
in
the
morning
or
evening
is
advised.
We
heard
that
the
cathedral's
nighttime
view
is
breathtaking.
If
possible,
visit
the
cathedral
in
the
morning
and
at
night.