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One of the most astounding constructions in Cuba is The Capitolio of Havana. Ever since it was completed in the 1930's, this gem of the Cuban architecture, has become, the pleasure of the locals and the enjoyment of the holiday makers. Its precedent is as significant as its design. In the quarter where today's Capitol raises up, an immense fenland existed which housed the foremost botanical garden ever built in Cuba around the 19th Century. The planning of today's Capitol took many years but once the construction started it was finished in only 3 years, something very impressive for a building of its magnitude. Those were times of economic crises and huge unemployment and thousands of people went to work on this project. The imposing building was unveiled on Thursday May 20, 1929 in the afternoon. Anybody and everybody that was a personality in Cuba attended the opening, among those was the President of The Republic Gerardo Machado. The price tag of the building reached 17 million dollars in those days which at present will be something around 10 times more expensive. All the workers drawn in project and construction were locals including the prestigious architect Eugenio Raynieri Piedra. Its Cupola is second in height to the tower at the Square of The Revolution. The style of the entire construction is an astonishing expression of the neoclassic architecture in Havana. The porch it protected by 17 giant ionic pillars and three huge mahogany gateways embossed with events of the Cuban history. Right under the dome the third tallest statue indoors in the world can be admired. It is a maiden made of bronze wearing a long spear representing the republic of Cuba. It was brought from Italy and it was designed by the famous artist Angelo Zanelli. The Capitol building housed the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate since it was built until 1959. After the triumph of the Revolution it became the largest museum in Cuba showing visitors the history of the pseudo republican times. Today sharing the space with the museum The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment has found in The Capitol the perfect seat. Visiting The Capitol is like wandering back in time. Utterly every peace of furniture in the museum is kept faultlessly the same manner it was when the building was opened. If you are dwelling in a hotel in Havana Vieja area it will take you only some few minutes walk to this site. There is an entry charge to pay (4.00 CUC) so as you can appreciate it is not pricey and it is worth every cent of your money.
Article Source: http://www.mintswords.com
More related wuebsites about holidays to Cuba can be seen at holidays to Cuba and tailor made holidays to cuba.
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