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Havana

Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana

  • Address
    • cnr San Ignacio & Empedrado
  • Hours
    • until noon

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Lonely Planet review for Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana

Dominated by two unequal towers and framed by a theatrical baroque facade designed by Italian architect Francesco Borromini, Havana's incredible cathedral was once described by novelist Alejo Carpentier as 'music set in stone.' The Jesuits began construction of the church in 1748 and work continued despite their expulsion in 1767. When the building was finished in 1787, the diocese of Havana was created and the church became a cathedral – one of the oldest in the Americas. The remains of Columbus were interred here from 1795 to 1898, when they were moved to Seville. The best time to visit is during Sunday Mass (10:30am).