Plaza de Armas, A timeless hub of vibrant Cuban culture

Plaza de Arms, O'Reilly, Old Havana, Old Havana, Havana, 100, Cuba

There are many secondhand bookstalls on the Weapon Square

4.1

Introduction

The Weapons Square is the oldest square in Havana's history, dating back to the 16th century when it was the city center of Havana and also the site of performances watched by the governor. In the center of the square is a statue of Cuba's national hero, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. Surrounding the square are several famous buildings, including the Governor's Palace, which is one of the most representative Baroque buildings, and the Royal Force Castle, which is one of the oldest fortresses in Havana. On the east side of the square, there is a small chapel built in 1827 to commemorate Havana's founding and the first mass. Additionally, there are important buildings such as the Hotel Santa Isabel and the Second End Palace. The square is also home to a cotton tree that is considered a sacred tree, where many people come to make wishes and toss coins while circling the tree three times. It is believed that the wishes made at the tree will come true in the following year. The square was once the location of the Cuban parliament and presidential palace, but it is now the site of a publishing institution under the Cuban Ministry of Culture.