Overview:

: Palacio de los Matrimonios is a governmental building located in the neighbourhood of Nuevo Vedado, east of Havana in Cuba. The palace is used as the main centre for marriages to take place in the city. It is the most popular venue for weddings and is surrounded by lush gardens and an impressive terrace that looks out onto the city. The building has a grandiose atmosphere with its large corridors, stylish mosaic patterns, and imposing stairwells. Inside, couples will find a room with seating for up to 100 guests, presided by a long red carpet. The Palace includes a “Chapel Room” fitted with an altar for religious ceremonies. Palacio de los Matrimonios has become an iconic symbol for couples wishing to start their life together in Havana. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

• Located in the heart of Old Havana, the Palacio de los Matrimonios is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in the city. • Built in 1720, it was originally owned by José de Santa Cruz, a Viceroy of the Caribbean. • It has served as both a residence and an administrative office for the colonial government. • Now a cultural heritage site, the building is surrounded by gardens and courtyards. • It has been home for civil marriages since the 19thcentury and continues to be a popular wedding and portrait-taking location for locals and visitors alike. • Inside the palace, visitors will find a variety of artifacts and antiques, such as historical documents and paintings. • The building is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Palacio de los Matrimonios (Palace of Marriages) in Havana, Cuba is a landmark building located in the city’s historic center. The palace was built in 1920 as a part of the vast project to build a new Havana. Architect Jean B. Pouillon had designed the palace with the intention of making it a symbol of the city for future generations. Originally, the building housed a registry of marriages where civil unions were officially registered. This grand building was also said to be a popular spot for wedding photographs over the years. Near the end of the 20th century, a project to restore and preserve the palace was initiated by the Government of Cuba. Since its renovation, the Palacio de los Matrimonios has served multiple purposes throughout the years. Most notably, it is home to the Cuban National Center for the Performing Arts, where aspiring Cuban directors, actors, dancers and musicians hone their talents. Additionally, the palace is used for special events such as weddings, engagement ceremonies, presentations, expositions, and other cultural events. The Palacio de los Matrimonios has become a protected national heritage site and stands as a monument to the importance of marriage and family in Cuban culture and society. It is also a reminder of the city’s rich history and culture. Today, the palace continues to serve its original purpose as a marriage registry and remains one of the most popular venues for wedding ceremonies in Havana. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Palacio de los Matrimonios (Palace of Marriage) is a historic building in Havana, Cuba, that is used as a registry office by the government to register civil marriages. 2. Built in 1924 by Cuban architect Miguel Madan, the building features Spanish Revival and Mudéjar architectural styles, and was once described by Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier as an “Arabesque fantasy”. 3. Although the building is mainly used to register civil weddings, the Palacio has been the site of international events such as the International Music Festival, the Organ Festival, and the International Festival of Video-Arts. 4. The Palacio de los Matrimonios appears on the Cuban 500-peso bill issued in 2003. 5. In the 1990s, the building underwent major renovations, which included the installation of a video-projector in the main hall, and the restoration of the dome of the building. 6. The Palacio was declared a National Monument of Cuba in 1998. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.