Ana茂s Nin, Havana c. 1920s
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A city tour of Havana
Havana's streets are a living museum of architectural styles, telling the story of Cuba's rich history and cultural influences. As I wander through the old quarter, I'm awestruck by the melange of colonial, baroque, art nouveau and art deco buildings lining the narrow roads.
One of the most impressive sights is along the Paseo del Prado, a grand boulevard with rows of stately neoclassical mansions painted in vibrant pastels. Their wrought iron grilles, overhanging balconies and terracotta tiled roofs evoke the elegance of 18th century Havana.
Nearby, the Plaza Vieja showcases exquisite examples of Cuban baroque architecture with its ornate facades and picturesque archways. Buildings like the Casa del Conde Jaruco feature intricately carved stone, while the Iglesia del Esp铆ritu Santo church dazzles with its yellow and white kilometer towers.
In the more modern Vedado neighborhood, a different flavor emerges with art deco gems like the Bachiller, an iconic cylindrical apartment building adorned with geometric terra cotta detailing. The Catalina House hotel nearby is another art deco standout with its sleek curves and nautical flair.
But some of my favorite street scenery comes from the eclectic, time-worn buildings where habaneros go about their daily lives. Laundry hanging from wrought iron balconies, elderly men playing dominoes on stoops, children kicking soccer balls in the streets - it's these animated scenes backed by the vintage architectural canvas that capture the true spirit of Cuban urbania.
Havana's streets may be rough around the edges, but the dazzling mix of architectural styles and rich patina of ages is irreplaceable eye candy for any traveling aesthete.
picture form https://www.everydayobject.us/havana-viewfinder/
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Rookie Jackie Robinson signing autographs in Havana, Cuba (1947).
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