Edificio Santo Domingo, Havana
The Santo Domingo Building (Edificio Santo Domingo) stands as a remarkable architectural gem in Havana, showcasing the Baroque style that marked a significant period in architectural history. Originally constructed in the late 18th century, this building reflects the grandeur and elegance of the era with its intricate designs and artistic details.
Over the centuries, the Santo Domingo Building has been repurposed for various uses, adapting to the changing needs and times of Havana. Its historical significance is not only rooted in its age but also its versatility and resilience through different periods. The recent renovation efforts have breathed new life into this venerable structure, skillfully blending the old with the new. Restoration work focused on preserving the building's fine architectural elements while replacing incompatible semi-modernistic additions with designs that honor the original Baroque essence. This approach ensured that the building's integrity and aesthetic value were enhanced, making it a true representation of historical preservation meeting contemporary sensibilities.
Visitors to Old Havana will find the Santo Domingo Building a captivating starting point for exploring the area's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Its proximity to other notable attractions such as the Malecón, Plaza Vieja, and Havana Cathedral offers a comprehensive and enriching sightseeing experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of Havana. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the charm of old cities, the Santo Domingo Building and its surrounding landmarks provide a memorable journey through time and culture.
Over the centuries, the Santo Domingo Building has been repurposed for various uses, adapting to the changing needs and times of Havana. Its historical significance is not only rooted in its age but also its versatility and resilience through different periods. The recent renovation efforts have breathed new life into this venerable structure, skillfully blending the old with the new. Restoration work focused on preserving the building's fine architectural elements while replacing incompatible semi-modernistic additions with designs that honor the original Baroque essence. This approach ensured that the building's integrity and aesthetic value were enhanced, making it a true representation of historical preservation meeting contemporary sensibilities.
Visitors to Old Havana will find the Santo Domingo Building a captivating starting point for exploring the area's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Its proximity to other notable attractions such as the Malecón, Plaza Vieja, and Havana Cathedral offers a comprehensive and enriching sightseeing experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of Havana. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the charm of old cities, the Santo Domingo Building and its surrounding landmarks provide a memorable journey through time and culture.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Havana. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Edificio Santo Domingo on Map
Sight Name: Edificio Santo Domingo
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Havana, Cuba
Create Your Own Walk in Havana
Creating your own self-guided walk in Havana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walking Tour
The Spanish founded Havana in 1519. After French pirate Jacques de Sores ransacked the city in 1555, the Castle of the Royal Force was built to protect the city.
Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.
Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.
Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour
Ever since Hemingway first visited Cuba in 1928 until his death in 1961, he felt an intense connection with the people and culture of Cuba. Hemingway lived at Hotel Ambos Mundos during the 1930s, and began, wrote, and finished several novels there. Today, you can see some of Hemingway's belongings in Room 511.
Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour
Discovered and conquered by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century, Havana has turned into a major religious center of Catholicism in the Caribbean. Although a communist regime is currently in power, many of the churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings have been preserved and still give a glimpse of the city’s religious heritage.
The old Havana Cathedral, located in a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The old Havana Cathedral, located in a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Palaces Walking Tour
Havana has been the seat of Cuba’s ruling gentry for centuries. Today, you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore its palaces to get a glimpse into the city’s royal past. Although these structures now serve Havana’s citizens and visitors, they still catch your eye (and your camera lens!) with their architecture and history.
Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Uniquely Cuban Things to Buy in Havana
Rum, cigars and revolution have been, perhaps, at least until recently, the three most popular exports from Cuba. Luckily, with the embargo lifted (or soon to be lifted), those traveling to the U.S. might soon be able to pick up some of these (with the exception of revolution, perhaps) on their way...
Cuban Sweets and Pastries
On the tropical island where sugar cane is one of the main commodities along with the rum made of the very same sugar, and where the enormous abundance of tropical fruits make up a great deal of the local diet, it is only natural to expect the richness of dessert cuisine. Pair it with the strong...