04/20/2023
Havana is the Capital of The Republic of Cuba and the largest and most populated city in the country as well as in the entire Caribbean, with a population of over two million people. Founded in 1514 with the name of San Cristobal de La Habana, Havana City is the main center of political, economic and socio-cultural life of the nation. Like all capitals, the city hosts all government offices and buildings, including the residence of the top leaders of the Communist Party.
Since Havana is the biggest cultural and social-economical hub in the country, the most famous names in arts, sports, education and science live and/or develop their work and therefore, it is fair to state, that Havana contains a well-rounded representation of the general Cuban idiosyncrasy. Havana, is a host city to numerous events and festivals. Among the most famous events are Havana International Jazz Festival, International Havana Ballet Festival and Havana Cigar Festival. The city attracts over one million tourists every year and it is among the most visited cities in the insular Caribbean.
In 1982, its historic center, Old Havana or Old Town, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
“Havana is truly a wonderful city, perhaps unkept and raw, with a genuine soul that will fascinate for years to come”.
Havana was chosen on December 7, 2014 in Dubai, within the New7WondersCities initiative, as one of the seven wonder cities of the world representing the global diversity of urban society. One of Havana City best features is its bay, one of the largest and safest bays in The Americas and the world because its shape. The port of Havana is considered one of the most important in the region and during the colonial era one of the strategic centers for colonial Spain, which is why the bay was protected with a network of fortifications, including the Tower of San Lazaro, Castle of the Three Kings of Morro, Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana, Castle of Atares, La Chorrera Castle and other buildings dedicated to the protection of the port and the city.
The transformations of the Cuban economy have allowed new business to flourish all over Havana City, particularly in the service, lodging and entertainment industries, permitting a competitiveness in the international touristic markets. A vacation in Havana City it’s always fun and full of culture and good food.