Plaza de la Catedral

Plaza de la Catedral is a historic public square in Old Havana adjacent to the Cathedral of Havana. The plaza developed amid colonial urban reforms under the Spanish Empire and later featured in republican and revolutionary periods involving figures such as Fidel Castro and institutions like the Instituto de Historia de Cuba. It remains a focal point for tourism, heritage conservation, and liturgical events linked to the Roman Catholic Church in Cuba.

History

The plaza originated during the 18th century when the Archdiocese of Havana established the Cathedral of Havana near the nascent civic grid that included Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas (Havana), and Plaza de San Francisco de Asís (Havana). Construction phases connected to colonial governors such as Governor Don José María de la Concha and patrons tied to the House of Bourbon accelerated urban modifications. During the 19th century the space witnessed processions for monarchs including Alfonso XII of Spain and episodes related to the Ten Years' War and the Cuban War of Independence, where political societies like the Secret Society (Sociedad Secreta) and leaders linked to José Martí used proximate venues. The plaza's conservation became prominent after Herbert J. Sward and preservationists coordinated with municipal authorities influenced by policies following the 1959 Cuban Revolution. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries UNESCO interventions tied to the World Heritage Committee and restoration projects funded by entities such as Patrimonio Nacional (Cuba) have reinforced its historic fabric.

Architecture and Layout

The square's geometry reflects Spanish colonial planning codified in the Laws of the Indies and features baroque and neoclassical facades facing a cobbled surface inspired by Lusitanian and Andalusian prototypes similar to examples in Seville, Lisbon, and Granada. Dominant is the Cathedral of Havana, an exemplar of Cuban Baroque with altarpieces by artisans influenced by Miguel Melero and sculptural programs recalling Baroque architecture. Surrounding structures include aristocratic mansions associated with families like the Miranda family and commercial buildings once occupied by trading houses linked to Guatemala and Yucatán. Notable architectural elements include balconies with wrought ironwork reminiscent of designs found in New Orleans and Antigua Guatemala, wooden pilasters, and portal systems connecting to courtyards inspired by Hacienda typologies. Urban furniture and drainage alignments echo reforms advocated by engineers trained in institutions such as the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Religiously, the plaza functions as a stage for ceremonies organized by the Archdiocese of Havana and has hosted bishops like Jaime Ortega and clerical visits tied to liturgical celebrations influenced by the Second Vatican Council. The square supports rituals including processions honoring Our Lady of Charity (La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre), linkages to Saint Christopher traditions, and rites marking feast days associated with orders such as the Franciscans and Jesuits. Culturally, the plaza has been a locus for performances by artists connected to institutions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, pianists influenced by Ignacio Cervantes, dancers associated with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, and writers from the Cuban literary movement including references to Alejo Carpentier. Its ambience inspired musical compositions performed by ensembles like the Buena Vista Social Club and venues used by painting collectives tied to the Instituto Superior de Arte.

Surrounding Landmarks and Urban Context

The plaza sits amid an ensemble of landmarks: the Cathedral of Havana, the former residence of Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar's colonial successors repurposed into museums, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales in Plaza de Armas (Havana), the Convento de San Francisco de Asís (Havana), and the commercial corridor towards Obispo Street. Nearby institutions include the City Museum of Havana, the Casa de la Música, and the Gran Teatro de La Habana reachable via Paseo del Prado (Havana). The urban context integrates with transportation nodes serving Hotel Inglaterra, the Malecón (Havana) promenade, and conservation programs coordinated by Oficina del Historiador de la Ciudad de La Habana and international partners such as the World Monuments Fund.

Events and Festivals

Plaza programming aligns with calendars for civic and religious festivals: Easter processions organized by the Archdiocese of Havana and liturgies linked to papal visits like those involving Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis; cultural festivals including editions of the Havana International Jazz Festival, performances during Havana Biennial cycles, and concerts associated with the Festival Internacional del Habano satellite events. Seasonal activities coordinated by the Oficina del Historiador and cultural NGOs include craft fairs featuring artisans from Cuba's National Center of Conservation, book presentations tied to the Instituto Cubano del Libro, and folkloric exhibitions spotlighting traditions connected to Santería syncretisms and masked dances traced to migrations from Yoruba communities.

Category:Squares in Havana Category:Old Havana