El Templete, Neoclassical temple in Old Havana, Cuba
El Templete features three large oil paintings inside its walls, depicting significant moments of Havana's establishment through detailed historical scenes and portraits.
The monument, inaugurated on March 19, 1828, stands at the location where Spanish conquistadors conducted the first mass and established Havana in November 1519.
French painter Jean Baptiste Vermay created the interior artworks that illustrate the first mass, initial town council meeting, and the blessing ceremony by Bishop Espada.
The memorial building stands in front of the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales on the east side of Plaza de Armas, marking the city's founding location.
A ceiba tree grows next to the temple, where thousands gather annually on November 16 to circle it three times and toss coins for wishes.
Location: Havana
Inception: 1827
Official opening: March 19, 1828
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Address: 4MR2+6C7, Barillo, La Habana, Cuba La Habana La Habana
Opening Hours: Lundi-Dimanche 09:00-18:00
Phone: +5378012908
GPS coordinates: 23.14049,-82.34903
Latest update: May 7, 2025 07:11
The monuments in central Havana showcase Spanish colonial military, religious, and civil architecture. The 16th-century fortifications protect the port, while baroque religious buildings and neoclassical palaces line the cobbled squares. Museums, theaters, and cultural centers occupy former administrative and industrial buildings.
Granma
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Museum of the Revolution
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San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress
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Havana Cathedral
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Christ of Havana
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Bacardi Building
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Castillo de la Real Fuerza
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National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba
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Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
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Manzana de Gómez
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Produce Exchange Building
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Old Town Square
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Iglesia Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje
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Abdallah Mosque
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Palacio del Segundo Cabo
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Bank of Nova Scotia Building, Havana
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Royal Bank of Canada building
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Plaza de Arms
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San Francisco Square
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Museo Nacional de Historia Natural Cubana
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Rum museum
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Neptune Fountain
238 m
La Merced Church
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Greek Orthodox churches in Cuba
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Monument to José de la Luz y Caballero
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Albear Monument
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Custom House for the Port of Havana
456 m
Obispo
530 mReviews
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