Old Havana |
Old Havana, the core of the old city Havana, is a joy to stroll about. The wall and forts, once built to protect the city against pirates, are some of the oldest in the Americas. Today the castle of the Real Fuerza (1577) and that of San Salvador de la Punta (1600) are some of the highlights of the city.
Since it was recognized in 1982 an UNESCO World Heritage Site the Cuban government struggles hard to preserve and recover the old part of the city and many buildings that had fallen in ruin are being restored and now house new shops, bars and restaurants. Some areas have been renovated maybe even too well, but when taking the corner and getting into the backstreets you can still see Old Havana where decay reins with its seductive charm.
Calle Obispo is one of the first streets that have been renovated since Old Havana was recognized in 1982 UNESCO site. By now this part of the city has been given back its former glory. At the Old Square, the renovation is almost complete. Photos show signs how the old square looked before. The difference is huge. The colorful, aristocratic houses don’t even remotely look like the slums of a few years ago.
A little further is the Plaza de Armas also beautifully restored. With its cozy restaurants and cafes, this is the heart of Old Havana. Although you must be lucky to bump into any local. Since the renovations this neighborhood has become too expensive, too exclusive for the average Cuban. The only Cubans you see there are shady traders looking for CUCs, which allow them to buy luxury items that are otherwise inaccessible to them. Stay friendly, but keep on walking.
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