• United States!

    United States: Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Go Now!

    United States
    Explore the vast openness and wildlife found roaming in the western United States, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured) in North Dakota. Begin Your Journey!

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    Trinidad & Tobago: Beautiful Coastline. Go Now!

    Trinidad & Tobago
    These Caribbean islands mix Indian, African, and European cultures alongside beautiful beaches. Go Now!

  • St. Kitts & Nevis!

    St. Kitts & Nevis: Nevis Island. Go Now!

    St. Kitts & Nevis
    This island nation mixes aspects of European, African, and Caribbean culture... not to mention incredible beaches. Go Now!

  • Honduras!

    Honduras: Children. Go Now!

    Honduras
    The original banana republic, Honduras has made a name for itself with the banana trade; however foreign influences have also vastly altered the culture. Go Now!

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    Mexico: Sunrise over the mountains in Puerto Vallarta. Go Now!

    Mexico
    Although many people just go for the beaches, Mexico offers impressive mountain vistas (pictured in Puerto Vallarta), great food, and historic ruins that compete with the best in the world. Begin Your Journey!

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    Barbados: Pier on the beach. Go Now!

    Barbados
    This Caribbean island has hints of British culture, but is wholly Caribbean as well. Explore Barbados!

Architecture of Cuba

WARNING: International disputes with Cuba are ongoing, please read this travel warning before going!

Cuban Architecture - Old Havana
Old Havana

The early architecture of Cuba is severely limited as no true buildings exist from the pre-Columbian times. However once the Spanish arrived this rapidly changed as the island began a strong base in the Caribbean for the European colonists. Although the island's architecture as a whole is somewhat sporadic, the capital of Havana is one of Spanish America's best cities architecturally.

Among the earliest pieces of architecture is the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, one of the oldest forts in the Americas. This fort, built in the 1580s, sits on Havana's Malecon and is an incredible sight. Other forts in Havana include the San Salvador de la Punta (1580s) and the El Morro (1580s), which has an impressive lighthouse.

In their colonies, the Spanish generally built in the same styles that were popular in Spain at the time, especially when it came to their churches; this led to many Cuban colonial building to be built in the Baroque style, this is especially true in Havana. The Havana Cathedral (1748-1777) is one of the best examples of the Baroque style in Cuba, although numerous other large cities also have Baroque churches in their town centers. Many other impressive buildings from this time can be found in Old Havana and along Havana's Malecon.

In the late 1700s the Spanish introduced the Neo-Classical style to a number of their colonies, including Cuba. This is best represented in Havana with the Post Office (1770-1792), the Government House (1776-1792), and the Capitol Building (1926-1929).

Cuban Architecture - Capital
Capital

In the early 1900s Art Nouveau arrived to Cuba, a style that is primarily decorational. This led to a number of new buildings adding these Art Nouveau styles, while many older buildings added new facades in the style.

Although modern building materials and techniques have been brought to Cuba, only a couple cities have begun building large skyscrapers and outrageously unique modern buildings. Havana is again the center of this movement as they now have a distinct skyline although few of these modern buildings are unique or worth particular mention.

This page was last updated: March, 2013