Experts consider that these are the seven jewels of Havanera architecture

Members of the Havana Architecture Society (SOCA) has revealed what they consider are the seven jewels of architecture in Havana.

The investigation was carried out by experts in the branches of architecture and civil engineering and concluded that these constructions can be qualified as «wonders» of the Cuban heritage.

In addition to identifying these seven structural jewels, another 30 properties also recognized for their architectural and urban value in the capital of all Cubans.

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What are the seven jewels of architecture in Havana

After the exhaustive investigation, it was determined that the seven wonders of Havana architecture are:

The National Capitol: It is one of the most imposing and symbolic buildings in Havana. Inaugurated in 1929, this majestic building combines neoclassical styles and Art Deco. Its dome, which reaches 92 meters high, is one of the highest in the world. Originally, it was the headquarters of the Cuban Congress until 1959, and currently houses the Academy of Sciences of Cuba and Parliament.

Bacardí Building: It is considered the first skyscraper of the city and a symbol of Art Deco in Cuba. Inaugurated in 1930, it was designed by the architects Esteban Rodríguez-Castells and Rafael Fernández Ruenes to house the headquarters of the famous company of Ron Bacardí.

University of Havana (University Colina): Founded on January 5, 1728, it is the oldest higher education institution in Cuba and one of the most prestigious in Latin America. Its main headquarters, known as the University Hill, is found in the Vedado and stands out for its majestic staircase guarded by the emblematic statue of «Alma Mater». The main building, with neoclassical influences, houses various faculties and spaces of great historical value.

Focsa: Inaugurated in 1956, this 39 -story skyscraper and 121 meters high was, at the time, the highest concrete building in Latin America. Its functional design combines residential apartments, commercial areas and offices, representing a masterpiece of the modern style.

Galician Center (Grand Theater of Havana): the Grand Theater of Havana, also known as the Galician Center, was inaugurated in 1915. This majestic eclectic -style building stands out for its imposing facade adorned with sculptures by the Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti.

Cemetery Columbus: It was inaugurated in 1876 and is one of the most important cemeteries in Latin America. Designed by the Spanish architect Calixto de Loira, its Latin cross -shaped route symbolizes the Christian faith. This field covers more than 56 hectares and houses more than 500 mausoleums, pantheons and sculptures of high artistic and historical value.

National School of Art: It stands out for its innovative design, based on the use of Catalan vaults and local materials such as brick and terracotta. It was conceived by the architects Ricardo Porro, Vittorio Gratti and Roberto Gottardi, who captured in their design a mixture of modernist influences and organic forms.

Other architectural works of great importance

Within this group are:

• Tropican cabaret
• Coppelia ice cream shop
• CUJAE (José Antonio Echeverría University))
• López Serrano Building
• Radio Centro Building (ICRT headquarters and Yara cinema)
• Colosseum of the Sports City

The investigation also included other spaces and structures of great patrimonial value such as the Paseo del Prado, the Central Park, El Malecon, La Puerto Avenue, La Plaza Vieja, the Plaza de la Cathedral, the Seminar of San Carlos, the Plaza de Armas, the strength of San Carlos de la Cabaña, the Habana Riviera Hotel, the 5th Avenue, the House of Schulthes and the Palace of the Asturian Center.

Current research not only seeks to highlight the architectural legacy of Havana, but also to promote the preservation of these structures in a city that combines history, modernity and unique cultural wealth.