Palacio Cueto (Cueto Palace), Havana

Cueto Palace (Palacio Cueto), situated in Havana, showcases remarkable Art Nouveau architecture and is hailed as one of Arturo Márquez's finest architectural accomplishments. Built in 1906, this structure impresses with its Gaudí-inspired adornments, featuring a facade adorned with intricate details depicting mythical creatures like griffins and satyrs, distinguishing it amidst Havana's cityscape.

Initially intended as a storage facility and hat factory, the building was transformed in the 1920s overseen by José Cueto, evolving into the Vienna Palace Hotel (Palacio Viena Hotel). Later renovations repurposed it into an apartment complex. Presently, managed by the City Historian’s Office, Cueto Palace is undergoing restoration to become a luxury hotel with 57 rooms.

This architectural marvel embodies the expressionist style prominent in the early 20th century and is officially classified as modern. Architectural experts speculate that Marqués drew inspiration from emerging European trends of the era. The hotel's highlight is its spectacular rooftop terrace, complete with a small tower, offering stunning panoramic views of historic Havana. Cueto Palace serves as a testament to the fusion of art, history, and architectural creativity, inviting visitors to delve into its rich heritage and enduring elegance.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Esteban De Sousa.

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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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Palacio Cueto (Cueto Palace)
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Old Palaces Walking Tour

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.

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

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

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

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

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