CubaPLUS Magazine

As a defining landmark of Cuban tourism, Havana’s Capitol Building (El Capitolio) has achieved legendary status, with travelers from around the globe flocking to capture a photograph on its grand steps. 

Its majestic dome shapes the skyline of this cosmopolitan city. Despite the economic challenges currently facing the nation, the building stands proud, housing the glittering diamond that marks Kilometer Zero of Cuba's national highway system.

Originally built to house the Congress of the Republic, the building later served as the headquarters of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment (CITMA). Today, it is the seat of the National Assembly of People's Power (the Cuban Parliament) and has stood as one of the capital's most iconic and representative structures since its inception.

The grand property covers an area of 388,700 square meters, bounded by Paseo del Prado, Dragones, Industria, and San José streets. It was officially inaugurated on May 20, 1929.

The surrounding area boasts several premier tourist attractions, including the original site of the Partagás Royal Tobacco Factory (now relocated), Central Park, the Fuente de la India (Fountain of the Indian Woman), and the tree-lined Paseo del Prado—officially named Paseo de Martí in honor of Cuba’s National Hero.

Remarkably, construction was completed in just over three years and two months under the direction of architect Eugenio Raynieri Piedra. The ambitious project employed a workforce of some 8,000 people and cost an estimated 17 million pesos at the time.

Historians note that until the late 1950s, the House of Representatives and the Senate operated out of the chambers located in the building's two grand wings.

The dome, the sweeping staircase, and the surrounding gardens form a quintessential Havana postcard. Guarding the main entrance are two monumental bronze statues by Italian sculptor Angelo Zanelli: the one on the left represents labor, while the one on the right symbolizes tutelary virtue.

Yet, it is the interior that truly leaves visitors spellbound. After ascending the grand 55-step staircase, visitors are met by three massive bronze doors adorned with ten bas-relief panels depicting key chapters of Cuba’s national history.

Beyond these doors lies the building’s most famous space: the eclectic Salón de los Pasos Perdidos (Hall of Lost Steps). Embedded in the center of its floor is the replica of the famous 25-carat diamond marking Kilometer Zero. This majestic hall is also home to the Statue of the Republic—another masterpiece by Zanelli—which stands 17 meters tall and weighs 49 tons.

The Capitol's allure is further enhanced by specialized rooms such as the Baire, Bolívar, Baraguá, Yara, Jimaguayú, and Martí salons, alongside the Camilo Cienfuegos Semicircle and the Escalera de Honor (Staircase of Honor)—all named in tribute to key figures, events, and historic sites of Cuba and the wider Americas.

Adorned with sweeping galleries featuring exquisite sculptures, rich marble, Venetian mirrors, precious mahogany woodwork, and Rococo flourishes inspired by the Italian Renaissance and Napoleonic France, the building’s sheer beauty invites quiet contemplation—and leaves every visitor eager to linger and capture its splendor.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)