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Palace of the Captains General

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales is one of the most magnificent examples of Cuban Baroque architecture, located on the west side of Havana's Plaza de Armas. Built between 1776 and 1791, it served for over a century as the seat of the Spanish colonial administration and the residence of the governors. Following Cuban independence, the building housed the U.S. military governor and later the first president of the Republic of Cuba. Particularly noteworthy is its grand interior courtyard, featuring a marble statue of Christopher Columbus and arcades lined with royal palms. Today, the palace is home to the City Museum of Havana (Museo de la Ciudad), which chronicles the city's history from its founding to the present across 40 exhibition rooms. Highlights include the throne room, the ornate reception hall, and collections of historical furniture and carriages. A unique feature is the wooden paving in front of the building, reportedly installed to muffle the sound of carriage wheels so as not to disturb the governors' sleep.

Location: Cuba
Top sights: Museum of the Revolution (Cuba) · Havana Presidential Palace attack (1957) · Landing of the Granma
Nearby: Batabanó (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	24	25	27	28	29	29	29	28	27	25	24
Rain mm	30	29	23	33	64	108	83	108	102	87	45	30

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The palace houses the city museum and is open to the public. You can explore the historic rooms, the inner courtyard, and rotating exhibitions on colonial history.

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Typical hours

Museums in Cuba are typically open from Tuesday to Saturday, with reduced hours on Sunday. It is best to check locally for the exact daily times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash may be prohibited in some exhibition rooms. The inner courtyard with its arcades has particularly beautiful subjects.

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Time needed

Allow about one to one and a half hours for touring the exhibits and architecture. History enthusiasts should allocate extra time to appreciate the details.

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Combine with

The palace is located on Plaza de Armas, right next to the Castillo de la Real Fuerza fortress and the Cathedral. The El Templete monument is also a short walk away.

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Getting there

The palace is in central Old Havana and within walking distance from most hotels. Taxis and horse carriages drop you directly at the square.

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Insider tip

Visit the palace in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and experience the square in evening ambiance. The balcony terrace gives excellent views over Plaza de Armas.

Geography

Coordinates

23.14100, -82.35500

Facts

Construction began in 1776 and was completed in 1791.
It served as the seat for a total of 65 Spanish governors.
The courtyard houses the first statue of Columbus erected in Cuba.
The street in front of the palace is paved with wooden blocks.
Since 1968, it has housed the Museum of the City of Havana.
The building served as the Presidential Palace from 1902 to 1920.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Calle Obispo<1 km · EExplore →

Havana Industrial Complex3 km · SExplore →

Santiago de las Vegas3 km · WExplore →

Almendares River5 km · SExplore →

Hemingway House6 km · NExplore →

Fortress of Cojímar8 km · NExplore →

Batabanó11 km · NWExplore →

Havana Steel Plant11 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Palace of the Captains General (3)

Museum of the Revolution (Cuba)📍 landmark

Museum in the former presidential palace, displaying artifacts from Cuba's revolutionary history.

Havana Presidential Palace attack (1957)📍 landmark

Attack on the presidential palace in 1957, part of the struggle against the Batista regime.

Landing of the Granma📍 landmark

Landing of the Granma yacht in 1956, marking the start of the armed uprising in Cuba.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is currently located in the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales?

It houses the Museum of the City of Havana (Museo de la Ciudad).

What is special about the inner courtyard?

It is famous for its lush plants and the marble statue of Christopher Columbus.

How much is the entrance fee?

The entrance fee for foreign visitors is around 3-5 USD.

Are there valuable exhibits there?

Yes, you can see the grand throne rooms and historical furniture of the governors.

Are the descriptions in the museum in English?

Most signs are in Spanish, but audio guides or tour guides can assist you.

Palace of the Captains General: where is it located?

Palace of the Captains General is located in Cuba.

Palace of the Captains General: what is there to see?

Highlights include Museum of the Revolution (Cuba), Havana Presidential Palace attack (1957), Landing of the Granma.

Palace of the Captains General: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Palace of the Captains General: why is it worth visiting?

The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales is one of the most magnificent examples of Cuban Baroque architecture, located on the west side of Havana's Plaza de Armas.

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