The Capitol Of Havana.

By Regino Rodriguez

The Capitol building is probably the most astonishing peace of architecture in Havana. Located in the Old Town, this is a palace that I will definitely recommend you do explore during your stay in Cuba.

Few are those that know that in the land that today the Havanan Capitol is, a swamp existed, dredged and converted in the first botanical garden that had the capital at the end of the 19th century.

Neither is it known that the definitive construction the Capitol was many time delayed because its high cost on one hand; and to the political indecisions, on the other. Then, on March 1926, the construction of the Capitol began finally.

The imposing edifice opened its 20 feet doors to the public on Thursday May 20. Every government institution was invited to the unveiling ceremony including the President of the Republic of Cuba and other prestige politic personalities of those times.

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 walker, the dome of the Capitol of Havana can with no trouble attract his/her interest, fifth in the world of Renaissance style that, for its dimensions and outline, it copies that of Washington, San Pedro's Basilica, in Rome and San Pauls Cathedral in London. The Cupola is the second higher building peak of the metropolis, following the tower of the Monument to Mart in the Revolution Square.

A further detail that captivates everyone is the central piazza, which is escorted by 17 ionic columns of granite and in its facade; the three huge mahogany doors that give access to the main floor all three decorated with engraving recalling events of the history of Cuba.

The Capitol of Havana counts over seven decades since its opening in 1926. The colossal construction is regarded as the third in relevance in Latin America for its monolithic structure and certainly first in Cuba.

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.

It also accommodates the third tallest sculpture indoors in the whole world and it symbolizes The Republic of Cuba. Angelo Zanelli an Italian artist sculpted it moved by a famous Cuban model with who he was very fond of. It was inaugurated in 1929, in the Hall of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos).

Stopping over at the Capitol of Havana is just a remarkable journey back in history. In its quarters you will discover lots of true stories and anecdotes, concealed behind its pillars. Your holiday will not be fulfilled without a touch of History in Havana and this building certainly is a must. - 31515

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