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Casa De La Obra Pía
This typical Habana aristocratic residence was originally built in 1665, and was rebuilt in 1780, soon after the British occupation. Baroque decoration - including an intricate portico, which was made in Cádiz, Spain - covers the exterior facade, and at 1480 sq m this grandiose home was the largest in the neighborhood at the time it was erected.
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Casa De Lombillo
This resplendent casa (house) is one of Habana's oldest, dating from 1741. Named after one of its 18th-century owners, the count of Lombillo, who made his fortune in the slave trade, the building is most notable for its exquisite interior balconies and stately Tuscan-style columns. During the mid-19th century the palace served as Habana's main (and first) post office, and a stone-mask mailbox in one of the outside walls is still in use.
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Casa de los Condes de Jaruco
With its wide covered gallery, this house is said to be typical of aristocratic residences built around 1737. Although named after the counts of Jaruco, the house's most famous resident was María Mercedes de Santa Cruz y Cárdenas, a famous countess of Merlín, who was born in the mansion and went on to become one of the city's early literary greats. Today the building houses La Casona Centro de Arte.
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Castillo De Los Tres Santos Reyes Magnos Del Morro
This imposing castle was built between 1589 and 1630 to protect Habana harbor from pirates such as Frenchman Jacques de Sores, who sacked the city in 1555. Perched on a rocky bluff above the Atlantic, the fort - with its irregular polygon shape, thick walls and deep protective moat - is a classic example of Renaissance military architecture. The famous lighthouse - which has made the castle one of Habana's signature sights - was added in 1844.
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Castillo Del Príncipe
The Castillo del Principe (1767-79) is an irregularly shaped fortress constructed to protect nearby valleys. It is said to contain moats, underground passageways, vaulted galleries, cisterns and all sorts of other intriguing stuff, but today it serves as a police headquarters and is off-limits to tourists.
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Comité Central Del Partido Comunista De Cuba
A long, uninspiring concrete structure that glowers from behind the Martí memorial, the modern HQ of the Cuban government doesn't match the architectural splendor of the Capitolio or the Presidential Palace. This is where the affairs of the Cuban government are sorted out and where the elusive Fidel maintains an office. Not surprisingly, it's strictly out of bounds for foreigners (and most Cubans, for that matter).
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Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón
Cuba's largest cemetery is famous the world over for its stunning sculptures and decorative mausoleums. Covering 56 hectares (138 acres), the graveyard is the final resting place for over a million souls, though people are being disinterred daily due to lack of space. Laid out like a mini city in the 1860s and 70s, the cemetery's graves read like a who's who of Cuban history, and a visit here justifies a walking tour in its own right .
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Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras
This majestic building, completed in 1760, was a one-time baroque palace widely lauded for the beauty of its shady Andalucian patio. Today it houses the Restaurante El Patio, a choice spot for an alfresco drink or meal in front of the ethereal cathedral. You'll be serenaded 24 hours a day by live music - three bands alternate eight-hour shifts.
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Torreón De Cojímar
Overlooking the harbor, this old Spanish fort dating from 1649 is presently occupied by the Cuban coast guard. It was the first fortification taken by the British when they attacked Habana from the rear in 1762.
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Torreón de Santa Dorotea de la Chorrera
One of a number of small battlements that once guarded Habana from pirates and warships, this two-story tower at the mouth of Río Almendares contained sentry posts, artillery emplacements, storage rooms and a military barracks. Designed by Italian engineer Juan Bautista Antonelli, it was completed during the Álvaro de Luna y Sarmiento administration. In 1762 the tower was taken by the British. Today it houses a restaurant, Mesón la Chorrera.
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