Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), Havana (must see)

The Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolución) located in Havana is one of the most significant and expansive city squares globally. It is a central place for political gatherings and historically significant speeches, especially those delivered by Fidel Castro to massive audiences, particularly on notable dates such as May 1st and July 26th annually. These events have drawn over a million Cubans, reflecting the square's importance in Cuban political and social life.

The square is architecturally and symbolically dominated by the José Martí Memorial, which includes a towering 109-meter (358-foot) tower and an 18-meter (59-foot) statue of Martí, a national hero. This monument is not just a focal point but also a tribute to Cuban independence and intellectual legacy.

Surrounding the square are crucial governmental and cultural buildings. The National Library and several ministry buildings, including those for the government and the Communist Party, are situated here, emphasizing the plaza's role as a center of Cuban governance and policy. The Palace of the Revolution, situated behind the memorial, serves as the heart of Cuban political life, housing the government and the Communist Party's main offices.

On the facades of the Ministries of the Interior and Communications, opposite the memorial, are iconic steel memorials dedicated to revolutionary heroes Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. These memorials bear significant quotations - "Hasta la Victoria Siempre" (Until the Everlasting Victory, Always) for Guevara and "Vas bien, Fidel" (You're doing fine, Fidel) for Cienfuegos - and are powerful symbols of the revolution's legacy and the enduring values it represents in Cuban society. These elements collectively make Plaza de la Revolución a pivotal site of Cuban national identity and memory.

Why You Should Visit:
Great historic site that makes for a great photo opportunity. A plus is that there are always lots of brightly colored 1950's taxis around that you can hire and/or be pictured with.

Tip:
There are many beautiful beaches an hour or so out of town and cruising to one in a vintage car that you hire from this plaza immerses you in Cuba's complexities. The roads are in pristine condition. However, please ask them to confirm upfront that price you agreed upon is TOTAL, and not per person.