Havana Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in Old Havana, Cuba
Havana Cathedral is a baroque Catholic cathedral in Old Havana, Cuba, with a facade of coral stone and two bell towers of different widths. Inside, three naves with eight side chapels hold frescoes and sculptures from the 18th century.
Jesuit priests started construction in 1748 and completed it after their expulsion in 1777, when the church became the seat of the archdiocese. Between 1796 and 1898, the remains of Christopher Columbus rested here before transfer to Seville.
The asymmetrical towers arose from practical reasons: the narrower tower was designed to drain rainwater more quickly. Locals often call the building "la catedral" and attend services or religious celebrations where singing echoes through the nave.
Visitors can explore the church on weekdays between 9 AM and 4:30 PM, and on weekends only during morning hours until noon. Climbing the bell tower offers views over the old town and requires an additional fee.
The coral stone facade preserves tiny fossils of marine organisms that shimmer in different shades under sunlight. This porous surface gives the building an unusual texture distinct from smoother European church fronts.
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