San Francisco de Paula Church, Historic church in Havana, Cuba
San Francisco de Paula Church is a church building in Havana's old city, rebuilt in Baroque style between 1735 and 1745 following a major hurricane that destroyed an earlier structure in 1730. The building features a cross-shaped floor plan with a central nave covered by a vault and topped with a small dome, while the facade displays carved stone details and decorative elements executed in local stone.
The original chapel was founded in 1668 as part of a complex that included a hospital for women serving patients and medical students. After destruction by a hurricane in 1730, it was rebuilt between 1735 and 1745 as a sturdy Baroque structure under the leadership of priest Don Pedro Lodares Cota and support from Bishop Pedro Agustín Morell de Santa Cruz. In 1944 it was declared a National Monument after being threatened with demolition.
The church is named after Saint Francis of Paula, an Italian saint who held particular significance in local religious life. Today the space serves primarily as a concert and cultural venue, reflecting how the community has adapted this historic building for contemporary artistic expression.
The building sits at the intersection of San Francisco de Paula, Desamparados, San Ignacio and Paula streets in the old city, making it easily accessible for visitors. Today it functions as a concert and cultural event venue, particularly known for early music performances and the Esteban Salas Festival, so those interested in attending a concert should plan to arrive early.
The church houses a rare French organ from the 19th century that still functions in its original location and is regularly played during concerts. This instrument is one of only a few working original organs remaining in Cuba and significantly contributes to the venue's importance as a music space.
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