Passers-by usually miss this tree-filled oasis at Plaza de San Francisco de Asís’ southeastern corner, where the remains of some of Cuba’s best-known intellectuals are buried in a seemingly unofficial graveyard. Plants veil a few thought-provoking statues – usually photographed is Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s life-size representation sitting on a bench next to the rear entrance of the Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco de Asís.
The garden occupies the entire area behind San Francisco de Asís Convent, including the former site of its main cupola, knocked down by a hurricane in 1850. Inaugurated in 1999 and decorated with sculptures by Cuban contemporary artists, the garden also hosts a small but impeccable Greek Orthodox cathedral.
