About The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Havana:
Officially known as the Catedral de San Cristóbal (Cathedral of Saint Christopher) Catedral de la Virgen María de la Inmaculada Concepción (Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception is sometimes simply called the Havana Cathedral. It is one of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in Cuba. Construction began in 1748 under the Jesuits and was completed in 1777, with the structure consecrated as a cathedral in 1782.
This beautiful Baroque-style cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Cristóbal de La Habana and once housed the remains of Christopher Columbus from 1796 until they were transferred to Seville, Spain, in 1898.
The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Havana, Cuba (also known as Catedral de la Virgen María de la Concepción Inmaculada de La Habana or simply Havana Cathedral) is a stunning example of Cuban Baroque architecture and a key landmark in the city’s historic center.Located in the vibrant Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982), it serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Cristóbal de La Habana.
The building is notable for being constructed primarily from coral rock quarried from the Gulf of Mexico, giving its facade a distinctive textured, weathered appearance typical of Cuban colonial architecture.
The asymmetrical facade features ornate details, including twin bell towers (one with a clock), columns, scrolls, and a central niche. The interior includes three naves, eight side chapels, and highlights such as:A canvas of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception (the cathedral’s patroness) on the high altar.
Three frescoes by Italian artist Giuseppe Perovani behind the altar (depicting The Delivery of the Keys, The Last Supper, and The Ascension).
Works by French artist Jean Baptiste Vermay and other 18th–19th-century sculptures and goldsmith pieces from Rome.
Traveling to The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Havana:
It is located in the heart of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), facing the picturesque Plaza de la Catedral (Cathedral Square),