Bank of Nova Scotia Building, Havana, Neoclassical bank building in Old Havana, Cuba
The Bank of Nova Scotia Building in Havana is a neoclassical structure located at the corner of Calle O'Reilly and Calle Cuba. The edifice features a steel frame supporting four stories and displays the symmetrical design typical of this architectural style.
The building was constructed in 1906 as a Canadian bank branch and expanded with additional floors in 1914. After 1959, this bank remained one of the few foreign financial institutions in Havana while others ceased operations.
The building reflects the connections between Canadian and Cuban business people who shaped Havana in the early 1900s. Its design shows how important international trade relationships were to the city at that time.
The structure has undergone renovations since 2012 and can be viewed under its current bank name. Visitors can admire the exterior and portions of the interior, though as an active banking institution entry may be limited to certain areas.
The building stands as a symbol of the rare case of a Canadian bank that continued operating in Cuba after the revolution. This makes it a special witness to the complex economic relationships between both countries that many visitors overlook.
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