Overview:

El Capitolio is the largest and most important public building in Havana, Cuba. It was built between 1926 and 1929 and served as the seat of government for the Republic of Cuba until Fidel Castro's revolution in 1959. It is now a museum and home to the Cuban Academy of Sciences. The building is an iconic symbol of Havana and is one of the most photographed places in the city. El Capitolio is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture and reflects the grandeur of Cuba's past. The building features sweeping staircases, columns, and high ceilings that evoke the style of baroque and neoclassical buildings. The facade of El Capitolio is adorned with sculptures of Cuban heroes and a colossal statue of the Republic of Cuba. Visitors to El Capitolio can marvel at the grand architectural style, learn about the history of Cuba, and explore the exhibits on display. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

1. Neoclassical Architecture: Built in 1929 during the first presidency of Gerardo Machado, the El Capitolio was designed to rival the Capitol in Washington DC. It follows a Classical Italian style of architecture with Corinthian columns, symmetrical façades and a large domed rotunda. 2. Magnificent Dome: The most well-known feature of El Capitolio is its impressive dome, crowned by a huge sculpture. It measures more than 22 meters high and 50 meters in diameter, making it the largest of all the domes in The Americas. 3. Glorieta de la Estatua de la República: The Glorieta de la Estatua de la República is a monumental statue measuring 8 meters in height that stands atop the main staircase leading into the building. It was designed to represent the Cuban Republic, and comprises three female figures representing the virtues of Wisdom, Force and Justice. 4. Tapestry Hall: Located on the first floor of the dome of El Capitolio lies the entrance to its Tapestry Hall. This circular hall is covered in a pearl-white mosaic, and the walls are covered with twelve tapestries featuring scenes from Cuban history. 5. Impressive Interiors: The interiors of El Capitolio consist of marble walls, a mahogany paneled ceiling, intricate mosaics, and art deco finishes. Its grand staircase, leading up to the impressive capitals committees' chamber contains two bronze lions that flank either side, which were commissioned by the first president of Cuba, Gerardo Machado. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The El Capitolio, located in Havana, Cuba, is a building that has played a crucial role in the country’s history. The El Capitolio was built between 1929 and 1931 by Lt. Henry Klucsarits, and was originally intended to be the new seat of Cuba’s national government. Prior to the construction of the El Capitolio, the Cuban government sat just a few meters away in La Glorieta de la Reforma (now the University of Havana). The design of the building was inspired by the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C., even featuring a sculpture of Lady Liberty atop the main structure. By 1959, Fidel Castro’s forces had taken control of Havana and the government was reorganized. The El Capitolio became largely unused regionally as the new Cuban government changed, but it has maintained its historic status and appearance throughout the years. The building did, however, begin to be used again in 1997 for government purposes. The El Capitolio is one of Havana’s most iconic buildings, and retains much of its original design. It is a major tourist destination and an important source of history and culture in Cuba. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. El Capitolio is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks of Havana, Cuba. 2. It originally opened in 1929, located on one of the main squares in Havana. 3. The building is 116 meters high with a giant bronze cupola at the top. 4. El Capitolio was built to resemble the United States Capitol building in Washington DC. 5. It houses the Cuban Academy of Science and the National Library of Science and Technology. 6. Its dome is visible from most parts of the city and is one of the most photographed sites in Cuba. 7. El Capitolio is currently undergoing major restoration and should re-open in 2018. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.