Havana Architecture: Beauty Through the Ages

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Few cities in the Caribbean rival Havana for architectural variety. Across its streets, centuries of design unfold – from baroque churches and colonial courtyards to modernist marvels and art-deco gems. Staying at Casa Salatti in Vedado lets you see them all within minutes.

A Living Museum

Havana was founded in 1519, and much of that early Spanish influence remains in Old Havana (Habana Vieja), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find pastel-coloured buildings with wrought-iron balconies surrounding cobbled plazas like Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja. The ornate Havana Cathedral and the elegant Palacio de los Capitanes Generales are masterpieces of baroque architecture.

From Casa Salatti, it’s only a 15-minute ride to these landmarks – perfect for a morning tour followed by lunch in one of the restored colonial courtyards.

Vedado’s Art-Deco Elegance

Back in Vedado, the architectural story shifts to the 20th century. The district’s wide avenues and detached villas reflect Cuba’s prosperous pre-revolution era. Along Calle 23, admire streamlined art-deco buildings, curved balconies, and geometric motifs that evoke Miami’s South Beach.

The crown jewel is the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a 1930s landmark blending art-deco with neoclassical grandeur. Its seaside terraces recall Havana’s glamorous heyday – perfect for afternoon cocktails with ocean views.

Nearby, Museo de Artes Decorativas, set in a 1920s mansion, reveals Havana’s aristocratic past with collections of Louis XVI furniture, porcelain, and crystal chandeliers.

Modern Contrasts

Architecture lovers should also visit Plaza de la Revolución, where monumental government buildings contrast sharply with Vedado’s gentler forms. The plaza’s José Martí Memorial offers sweeping city views from its observation deck.

Just a short walk away, mid-century apartment blocks and fading art-nouveau façades remind visitors how Havana has evolved while retaining its soul.

Exploring Beyond Vedado

A day trip east to Miramar reveals grand embassies and 1950s mansions, while central Havana’s Teatro Nacional de Cuba showcases post-revolution modernism. Return to Casa Salatti to unwind in quiet elegance – perhaps on the terrace, reflecting on the city’s architectural time-capsule charm.

Tips for Architecture Lovers

• Best Time for Photos: Early morning or sunset – the tropical light enhances colours and textures.
• Guided Tours: Book an architecture walking tour or a vintage-car city circuit starting from Vedado.
• Bring Comfortable Shoes: Cobblestones and long avenues call for sturdy footwear.

Havana’s architecture isn’t frozen in history – it’s lived in, sung about, and celebrated. Casa Salatti offers the perfect base to appreciate that enduring beauty.

 

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