Plaza de la Revolución★★
Cuba's most famous square is actually more of a giant parking lot — but one with immense symbolic power. The Plaza de la Revolución (4.5 hectares) was the place where Fidel Castro held his legendary multi-hour speeches before up to a million Cubans. Today, the most important political events still take place here.
The centerpiece is the José Martí Memorial — a 109 m high concrete tower (Havana's tallest structure) with an 18 m high marble statue of the Cuban national hero at the base. The observation tower (5 €) offers the best panoramic view over Havana.
On the opposite side: the iconic murals on the facades of the Ministry of the Interior (Che Guevara — "Hasta la Victoria Siempre") and the Ministry of Communications (Camilo Cienfuegos — "Vas bien, Fidel"). These steel relief portraits are Cuba's most photographed motifs.
The square itself is almost deserted during the day — a surreal expanse of concrete. The atmosphere is impressive and somewhat oppressive at the same time: You can feel the power that emanated from this place. A visit is most impressive in the early morning when the light illuminates the Che facade.
💡 Tipp
Combine the visit to the Plaza with the nearby Cementerio de Colón (Columbus Cemetery) — one of the most impressive cemeteries in the world with marble mausoleums and pantheons. Entry 5 €.
