Havana’s Capitolio
One of the most astonishing buildings in Havana is The Capitolio. Since it was built in the 1930’s is has become jewel of the Cuban architecture and the pride of the locals and the joy of the tourists.
In the area that today is occupied by The Capitol building, there was a swamp before, cleaned and transformed into what was known as the first and only Botanical Garden in Cuba in the Nineteenth Century.
The start of the project of building the Capitol was delayed in many occasions mainly due to the political instability; but in 1926 the construction of what was going to be the Chamber of Representatives of Cuba Finally began.
The grand structure was unveiled on Thursday May 20 just after mid day with the attendance of the president of the Republic of Cuba and the rest of the government cabinet ruling the island at that time.
The team that participated in the carrying out of the definitive plans of the Capitol was also integrated by engineers and Cuban architects under the artistic direction and technique of the architect Eugenio Raynieri Piedra. Its total cost was about 17 million pesos, equivalent to the same quantity in dollars.
To any pedestrian, the dome of the Capitol of Havana can easily draw his/her attention, fifth in the world of Renaissance style that, for its proportions and silhouettes, it remembers to San Pedro’s Basilica, in Rome. The dome is the second higher point of the city, preceded by the Monument to Mart in the Revolution Square.
Another detail that attracts is the central piazza, supported by 17 ionic columns of granite. In it, the three big brass doors that give access to the main floor and the bas-reliefs stand out due to its beauty.
The Capitol of Havana has more than 7 decades of having been founded already. The monumental building that does not have any similar in other parts of the world and that it is considered as the third in importance for their monolithic construction, constitutes the only of its type built in this century.
From the Capitol of Havana -that is not national -, the kilometer 0 of all the highways of the country begins. It was designed so that in it the two chambers of the legislative body of the Republic worked all the sessions until 1959.
The statue of the Republic of Cuba, inspired in the Havanan model Lily Vlty, has the third place in the world of the highest sculptures indoors. It was installed in 1929, in the room of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos). It was made by Angelo Zanelli who also used this model to sculpt the statues of the central piazza.
Visiting the Capitol of Havana is just an amazing trip to the past. It was built to resemble the one in the United States, but in its rooms you will find a lot of history hidden behind its columns. Your vacation will be complete when you experience this visit. Do not miss the chance.
For further information on Havana Hotels please visit Holidays to Cuba web site by J. M. Maurette
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