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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 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 group that took part in the planning of the construction of the Capitol was also joined together by engineers and Cuban architects under the capable hands of Eugenio Raynieri Piedra of a renowned architected famous for his artistic designs. The total cost of the project reached the 17 million 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 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.

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 it can only be an astounding experience. It doors, rooms and columns hide a lot of history. You must not missed the chance to see this stunning piece of architecture and archive of so many stories while on your holidays.

Please visit Twin centre Holidays to Cuba web site by J. M. Maurette for further information on Havana Hotels