El Templete (Little Temple), Havana

El Templete was built in 1827 to commemorate the site of the first mass celebrated in Cuba on November 16th, 1519. Its architecture represents both the more traditional 19th century Cuban baroque and a more modern Neoclassical style. Pineapples adorn the pillars on the railings and add a tropical flair.

The first mass and town council was held under the shade of a ceiba tree. Every year, on November 16th, a procession is formed to commemorate the city's founding. 16th-century ceremonial maces, usually on display in Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City of Havana), lead the procession around Plaza de Armas to the ceiba tree. Havana residents line up all evening to walk around the ceiba tree three times. This ritual is supposed to grant the wish of the supplicant. The original tree had deteriorated over time and was replaced with a younger ceiba tree.

Inside El Templete, visitors will find three large oil paintings by Jean-Baptiste Vermay portraying the original town meeting, first mass, and the temple's inauguration. There's also a bust of Jean-Baptiste Vermay, along with an urn containing the artist's ashes.