Havana, Cuba - UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Place: Havana, Cuba

Weather: Intervals of clouds and sunshine, 70/85F.

Route: From Cienfuegos 234 km NW on Autopista Nacional.

Population: 2,131,480 (2018)

Nickname: City of Columns

Established: 1519

Places to visit: Fabrica de Arte Cubano, Fusterlandia, Plaza Vieja, El Capitolio, El Morro, Plaza de la Catedral, Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia, Museu Nacional de Belas Artes de Cuba, Plaza de Armas, Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, Museum of the Revolution.

Website: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Significance: Havana was settled by the Spanish in 1519. Columbus landed on Cuba in 1492.  Cuba was the main early stronghold of the Spanish in the 16th century. Hernan Cortez launched his conquest of Mexico from Cuba in 1518. Hernando de Soto set out from Cuba to explore Florida in 1539.  Of course there has been a lot of history since then, including the revolution of the 20th century and involvement in the cold war between the USA and USSR.  There are a vast array of incredible architecture over those 500 years.

Images:

Havana Cathedral (from whc.unesco.org)

Typical buildings in Havana (from whc.unesco.org)