Parque Central, Havana

Parque Central is an urban park in central Havana positioned between Prado, Neptuno, Zulueta, and San José streets. The space features wide walkways and is framed by 28 royal palms that provide shade and define its character.

The space was established as a park in 1877 and later received eight stone monuments honoring medical students executed in 1871 during the Ten Years' War. These memorials mark a traumatic period of Cuban history within this public gathering place.

The central statue depicts José Martí, and throughout the year musicians and dancers perform traditional Cuban styles in and around the space. These gatherings shape how locals experience the park as a social meeting point rather than just a place to pass through.

The park is open daily with no entrance fee, offering numerous benches and shaded spots throughout for resting. The open layout makes it straightforward to explore different sections and find quiet spots under the palms.

The 28 royal palms were intentionally planted to correspond to José Martí's birth date, creating a numerical connection to Cuba's independence leader. This subtle link often goes unnoticed by visitors but adds a deeper layer of meaning to the green space.

Location: Havana

Inception: 1877

GPS coordinates: 23.13750,-82.35870

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42