Havana, the capital and largest province of Cuba, stands as a prominent port and a bustling commercial hub. Boasting a population of 2.1 million residents, it covers an expansive area of 728.26 km2, earning the distinction of being the largest city by land area, the most populous, and the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean. Positioned along the bay, Havana stretches predominantly westward and southward, featuring three primary harbors—Marimelena, Guanabacoa, and Atarés. The city is intersected by the leisurely Almendares River, flowing from south to north and eventually meeting the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.
Why is Havana the capital of Cuba?
In 1515, the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar founded a port named San Cristóbal de la Habana, believed to be located near the present town of Batabanó on Cuba's south coast. However, this choice proved unfavorable due to the poor climate and swampy conditions, plagued by abundant mosquitoes. Consequently, in 1519, the site was abandoned in favor of Havana's current location, then known as Puerto Carenas, situated on the north coast. Havana's natural deepwater port, coupled with land protection, attracted a growing number of settlers.
Recognizing its strategic significance, a royal decree in 1634 referred to Havana as the "Llave del Nuevo Mundo y Antemural de las Indias Occidentales" ("Key to the New World and Rampart of the West Indies"), a designation incorporated into Havana's coat of arms. The Spanish settlers initiated the construction of fortifications. The city's susceptibility to attacks by English, French, and Dutch sea marauders in the 16th century underscored the early recognition of the importance of harbor fortifications.
When Havana became the capital of Cuba?
In 1553, the Spanish Governor of the island transitioned from Santiago de Cuba to Havana, officially establishing the latter as the de facto capital. Subsequently, on December 20, 1592, Havana was officially granted the status of a city by King Philip II of Spain.
What is the history of the national capitol in Cuba?
Havana's Capitolio Nacional stands as an unparalleled architectural marvel, embodying the city's most ambitious and grandiose construction project. Emerging in the aftermath of the post-World War I economic boom, often referred to as the 'Dance of the Millions,' the Cuban government found itself endowed with substantial sugar money reserves. Resembling the Capitol in Washington, DC, yet drawing inspiration from the Panthéon in Paris, this iconic building was initiated by Cuba's US-backed dictator, Gerardo Machado, in 1926. Remarkably, it required the concerted efforts of 5000 workers, spanning three years, two months, and 20 days to complete, with a total cost amounting to US$17 million.