La Casa de Beneficencia y Maternidad de La Habana, Historical orphanage in central Havana, Cuba.
La Casa de Beneficencia y Maternidad de La Habana was a substantial institution with neoclassical architecture that included distinct classroom spaces, medical facilities, and residential areas designed for children and expectant mothers. The building layout allowed for separate care activities and education to happen simultaneously within a unified structure.
Founded in 1794 under Luis de las Casas, the establishment consolidated several childcare programs that had operated separately, with the earliest roots dating back to 1687. This merger created a more comprehensive institution that served the city's growing needs for orphan care and maternal support.
The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul shaped daily life here, caring for abandoned children and expectant mothers with structured education and medical support. Their work became deeply rooted in Havana's social fabric as a place where vulnerable families found refuge and care.
The building once stood at the corner of San Lazaro and Belascoain streets in central Havana, making it a landmark in the neighborhood. Visitors can explore the area on foot today and observe the historical traces that remain in the surrounding urban landscape.
The facility had a baby hatch window where mothers could leave infants anonymously without questions or judgment. This was a discreet solution designed for women facing desperate circumstances who could not care for their children.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
