408 Prado St., on the corner of Neptuno St., Old Havana ,
Havana, Cuba
(+53) 78611010
About
Telegrafo
The Telégrafo Axel Hotel La Habana is located in the old and emblematic Hotel Telégrafo, founded in 1860 and relocated in 1888.
The establishment, completely refurbished in 2021, has a 4-star category and has 63 rooms, as well as the essential services of any Axel Hotel: Restaurant, Spa & Fitness, Lounge and Sky Baron the rooftop terrace, with swimming pool and solarium from where you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Axel and its heterofriendly philosophy.
Its privileged location makes the hotel one of the iconic landmarks of the always magical and warm Old Havana.
Calle Compostela No.2, Habana Vieja, La Habana
Iglesia del Santo Ángel Custodio
The Santo Ángel Custodio Church was built in 1695, but wasn’t considered a church until 1788. It lies on one of the few and modest hills of the city, called Loma del Ángel. The original church was severely affected by the 1846 hurricane, its tower and the whole of the front and back of the nave were destroyed, so it was completely refurbished in the peculiar gothic style that can be seen today. Currently, the temple has two towers and an atrium where the church’s cemetery was formerly located. The entry doors are in the shape of pointed arches, and in its interior has three naves covered by barrel vault, as well as an ambulatory, the only church in Cuba to contain this feature. Félix Varela and José Martí were baptised in this church. It is also interesting to know that this temple is mentioned in Cecilia Valdés, a great 19th century Cuban novel by Cirilo Villaverde.
calle Prado, Habana
National Capitol
The monumental Capitolio is a replica of the American capitol in Washington, DC. It is one of the most emblematic buildings of the Havana skyline and it occupies an area of 38 875 m². It was the seat of the legislative body of the Republic since its inauguration on May 20, 1929. The facade is mainly of classic style while the interior of the building is characterized by eclectic opulence. From the stairs on we see the imposing porch columns and behind them we find the main gates, fashioned in bronze with bas-relief depicting important scenes of national history. On both sides of the uppermost part of the stairs there are two bronze statues, symbols of two guiding virtues: people and work. These statues are the work of the Italian sculptor Angelo Zanelli.
Carretera de La Cabana, Habana del Este
San Carlos de La Cabaña Fortress
The vast Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, known as ‘La Cabaña’, running beside the harbor, was constructed after the English capture of Havana in 1763. The largest of the military structures built by Spain in the Americas, this fortress was completed in 1774 and its presence formed an effective complete deterrent against the country's enemies. The polygon, occupying an area of around 10 hectares, consists of bastions, ravelins, moats, covered walkways, barracks, squares and stores. It is impressively well preserved, and the gardens and ramparts are romantically lit in the evening. This fortress hosts the spectacular nightly ceremony of El Cañonazo de las Nueve (cannon fire at 9), the firing of a cannon that marked the closing of the city gates, one of Havana's longest-held and most attractive traditions.
Carretera de La Cabana, Habana del Este
Tres Reyes del Morro Castle
Perhaps the most iconic of all Cuban fortresses. Its construction began in 1589 and was completed in 1630, playing a key role in the defence of Havana against raids by corsairs and pirates. When the English attacked and captured Havana in the year 1762, the castle was damaged and later as soon as Spain took power again it was rebuilt and modernized. A lighthouse was added to the Morro in 1764. Standing 45 metres above sea level, it has become an unmistakeable symbol of Havana.