Hemingway's Finca Vigia House - Museum, Havana (must see)

Finca Vigía, located in the San Francisco de Paula Ward in Havana, stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark, once the residence of the renowned American author Ernest Hemingway. Built in 1886 by the Catalan architect Miguel Pascual y Baguer, this property offers an exceptional view of downtown Havana from its back veranda and tower, situated approximately 15 miles east of the city.

Hemingway, who lived there from 1939 until 1960, first encountered Finca Vigía as a rental before purchasing it in 1940 following his marriage to Martha Gellhorn. The property featured a spacious 15-acre land with a main farmhouse that became Hemingway's sanctuary for creativity and writing. It was here that he penned significant portions of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and later, "The Old Man and the Sea," drawing inspiration from his surroundings and the nearby fishing community of Cojimar.

After his divorce from Gellhorn, Hemingway resided at the Finca with his fourth wife, Mary Welsh Hemingway, maintaining the property as their winter retreat. The Finca's ancillary structures, including a converted garage now serving as museum offices, reflect the site's evolution over time. Initially surrounded by lush landscapes and amenities like a tennis court and swimming pool, the estate's rural charm gradually succumbed to urban encroachment.

Despite its historical significance, Finca Vigía faced threats of deterioration, prompting concerns from preservation entities such as the US National Trust for Historic Preservation and the World Monuments Fund. In response, the Cuban government undertook restoration efforts, allowing the site to reopen to tourists in 2007 while continuing to highlight the need for ongoing preservation amid international concerns and funding challenges. Today, the museum stands as a testament to Hemingway's enduring influence and the global efforts to safeguard cultural heritage.