In earlier times it was named Plaza de la Cinaga (Swamp Square), and later on "Plaza de la Catedral", it is a place that has much to do with the beginning of Havana, founded on the 16th Century in the proximities of Havana's harbour.



The name is due to a large cathedral built first as oratory of the Hijos de San Ignacio, of the Jesuit order, which first stone was placed in 1748. After three decades the oratory was built, the Cathedral was already functioning, and between 1802 and 1832, important restoration works were made. Beautifully decorated, with important works and copies made by the French Jean Baptiste Vermay, it is a place worth visiting.

As an additional touch, since 1994, as an initiative of the tourist company Habaguanex S.A., its square holds dinners, official gatherings and for amusement too (chosen by important enterprises and agencies), related to travel and emblematic products such as the Habanos. The view is marvellous, to a very well preserved architecture, the cultural richness of the Cuban and the food-making in the restaurants in the surroundings.

Just few seconds walk you can find La Bodeguita del Medio, restaurant that together with El Floridita have become the most famous and emblematic restaurants not only in Cuba but also around the world. The specialty of the restaurant is the Cuban cuisine and its walls are engraved with autographs of numerous famous celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway, Mario Benedetti, Pablo Neruda or Errol Flyn and so many others.

The list of celebrities is long, including cinema artists, painters, politicians, dancers and musicians, both foreign and Cuban, where this country's national poet Nicols Guilln (deceased) had his space too.

Since very early in the mornings the square becomes crowded with tourists who come to take pictures, visit the Cathedral or any of the palaces around it. After much wandering around you can seat at El Patio Restaurant whose tables are spread all over the square and enjoy the people passing by.

A word of advice is to find a hotel in the old town, there are about 15 of them and they are very small, cosy and boutique hotels with very affordable prices. Santa Isabel and Florida hotels have both the best standard of service and location. Every thing you need to do or see will be walking distance from your hotels. At the end of the day you do not want the hassle of having to take taxis while on your holidays.