The heart and soul of Havana is the old town Habana Vieja, declared
a Heritage of Mankind Site in 1982 by UNESCO. It was keen to preserve
the beauty of its architecture and promote the historical importance
of its role within the region, Some of the interesting places to visit
are: Plaza de Armas, centred around a statue of the patriot Cespedes
and emcompassed by shaded marble benches and second-hand booksellers,
is the first public square built in the city. Plaza de la Catedral is
perhaps the most beautiful square in the Caribbean which is surrounded
by examples of the finest baroque architecture in the country. El Templete,
small neoclassical temple which marks the spot where the first Mass
was said in 1519. Castillo de la Real Fuerza is one of the oldest forts
in the Americas, it holds modern art exhibitions downstairs and the
battlements afford good views over the harbour. Palacio de los Capitanes
Generales, the seat of government and governor's residence was transferred
from the fort to the built. The presidential palace and then the municipal
palace until Castro seized power it is now Museo de la Ciudad de la
Habana. Museo de Arte Colonial, fine palace constructed in 1720, its
yellow courtyard and little-altered architectural features are complemented
by a large collection of 17th- and 18th-century furniture. Calle Obispo
is Old Havana's most important and smartest thoroughfare, pedestrianized
with missile heads as bollards.
