Palacio de los Capitanes Generales

The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales is a palace in Old Havana featuring baroque architecture with thick stone walls and marine fossils embedded in its limestone facade. The structure occupies an entire city block and serves as the Museum of the City of Havana, housing colonial-era objects, independence documents, and period rooms furnished with original gubernatorial pieces.

The palace was built between 1776 and 1792 as the residence for Spanish colonial governors. Following the Spanish-American War, it briefly served as the headquarters of the United States military administration.

The throne room displays Venetian mirrors alongside fine jewelry and porcelain that reflect the style of Madrid's Royal Palace. Visitors can observe how Spanish governors once lived and what luxury items surrounded them.

The building operates as a museum where visitors can explore multiple exhibition rooms within a historic structure. Plan adequate time to walk through the different spaces and examine the period furnishings and displays.

The building features an uncommon pavement made from china pelona and contains stone bathtubs shaped like nautilus shells. A fire engine manufactured in London during the 1800s is also preserved inside.