One of the most astonishing buildings in Havana is The Capitolio. Since it was built in the 1930's is has become jewel of the Cuban architecture and the pride of the locals and the joy of the tourists.
Few are those that know that in the land that today the Havanan Capitol is, a swamp existed, dredged and converted in the first botanical garden that had the capital at the end of the 19th century.
The start of the project of building the Capitol was delayed in many occasions mainly due to the political instability; but in 1926 the construction of what was going to be the Chamber of Representatives of Cuba Finally began.
The majestic building was inaugurated on Thursday May 20, in the afternoon, with the presence of the president of the Republic and the diplomatic corps accredited in the Island in 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 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.
It has been about eight decades since the Capitol building was finished in Cuba. It stands out for its monolithic construction considered among the three most important in Latin America and no doubt about it the most impressive building in Cuba.
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 accommodates the third tallest sculpture indoors in the whole world and it symbolizes The Republic of Cuba. Angelo Zanelli an Italian artist sculpted it moved by a famous Cuban model with who he was very fond of. It was inaugurated in 1929, in the Hall of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos).
Visiting the Capitol of Havana it can only be an astounding experience. It doors, rooms and columns hide a lot of history. You must not missed the chance to see this stunning piece of architecture and archive of so many stories while on your holidays.
Author Resource:
For further information on Havana Hotels please visit Cuba holiday packages web site by J. M. Maurette
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