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Plaza de Armas

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Landmark
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Plaza de Armas (Cuba)

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The Plaza de Armas is the oldest and most historically significant square in Havana, marking the exact spot where the city was founded in the 16th century. Originally used as a parade ground for Spanish troops, the square functioned as the political administrative heart of the colonial government. It is bordered by significant buildings including the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, now the City Museum, and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, one of the oldest forts in the Americas. At the park's center stands a monument to Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the 'Father of the Homeland,' surrounded by shaded trees and benches. A unique feature is the daily secondhand book market, which draws collectors and literature enthusiasts from across the globe. The atmosphere is serene and elegant, characterized by exceptionally preserved colonial architecture and well-maintained gardens. A small neoclassical pavilion, El Templete, marks the site of the first mass and town council meeting held in 1519. The Plaza de Armas remains a living monument to Havana's inception.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222425272829292928272524
Rain mm302923336410883108102874530

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Plaza de Armas is an open public square accessible freely at any time. There is no entrance fee; you can walk around and enjoy the surroundings whenever you like.
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Typical hours
As an open square, it has no fixed opening hours. Typically, visiting during daylight hours is safer and more pleasant; evenings can be quieter.
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Photography
Photography is freely allowed on the square and from surrounding buildings. There are no flash restrictions; morning light is best for capturing the colonial architecture.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to an hour to explore the square and adjacent streets. Those interested in history may spend longer.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk along Calle Obispo and a stop at the Cathedral of Havana. Many other Old Havana attractions are within walking distance.
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Getting there
The square is centrally located in Old Havana, easily reachable on foot. Taxis and horse-drawn carriages (Cocos) drop you directly at the square; the nearest bus stop is about 5 minutes away.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Bring water and sunscreen, as the square gives little shade.

Geography

Coordinates
23.14100, -82.35100

Facts

  • The square was originally laid out as early as the 1520s.
  • The street paving in front of the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales is made of wood.
  • El Templete was constructed in 1828 to commemorate the city's founding.
  • The square was previously named Plaza de Iglesia after a demolished church.
  • The bronze statue of Céspedes replaced a statue of Ferdinand VII in 1955.
  • The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales served as the governors' seat until 1898.

Explore nearby

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Almendares RiverAlmendares River5 km · SExplore →
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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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Sights in the town Plaza de Armas (3)

Plaza de la Catedral📍 landmark

Square in Havana, surrounded by colonial buildings, with the San Cristóbal cathedral at its center.

Archdiocese of San Cristóbal de la Habana📍 landmark

Catholic archdiocese in Havana, overseeing the capital region's church affairs.

Bodeguita del medio📍 landmark

Famous bar in Havana, known for mojitos and Cuban food, a popular spot for tourists.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Plaza de Armas?
The oldest square in Havana, famous for its daily second-hand book market.
Which buildings surround the square?
The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza are located here.
When does the book market take place?
Usually from Monday to Saturday, between approximately 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
What is El Templete?
A small neoclassical temple on the corner of the square where Havana was founded.
Is there a cost to visit the square?
No, access to the square is free; however, museums on its perimeter charge admission.
Plaza de Armas: where is it located?
Plaza de Armas is located in Cuba.
Plaza de Armas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Plaza de la Catedral, Archdiocese of San Cristóbal de la Habana, Bodeguita del medio.
Plaza de Armas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Plaza de Armas: why is it worth visiting?
The Plaza de Armas is the oldest and most historically significant square in Havana, marking the exact spot where the city was founded in the 16th century.
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Nearby cities

Santiago de las Vegas — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Santiago de las Vegas
A city in the Havana province, home to the Cuban Meteorological Institute.

History & landmarks

Morro Castle — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Morro Castle
An impressive fortress at the entrance to Havana Harbor.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Castillo de la Real Fuerza
A 16th-century fortress, one of the oldest colonial military structures in the Americas.
Havana Cathedral — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Havana Cathedral
One of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, built in baroque style on the Cathedral Plaza.
Castillo de la Punta — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Castillo de la Punta
A historic fort at the entrance to Havana Bay, opposite Castillo del Morro.
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
A significant religious building and convent in Havana.
Palace of the Captains General — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Palace of the Captains General
Former seat of Spanish governors in Havana, now the city museum.
Cathedral Square — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Cathedral Square
An important historic square in the old town of Havana.
Church of La Merced — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Church of La Merced
One of the most magnificent churches in Havana with a rich interior.

Nature

Almendares River — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Almendares River
A river that flows through Havana, dividing the city in two.

More places

Port of Havana — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Port of Havana
The main port of Havana Bay and one of Cuba's busiest maritime gateways.
José Martí Birthplace — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
José Martí Birthplace
Birthplace of Cuba's national hero in Havana.
Fortaleza de la Cabaña — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Fortaleza de la Cabaña
Large 18th-century fortress east of the harbor entrance.
Havana Textile Factory — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Havana Textile Factory
Production of apparel.
Museum of the Revolution — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Museum of the Revolution
Former presidential palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.
Havana Industrial Complex — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Havana Industrial Complex
An industrial site associated with Cuba's state-led manufacturing and processing sector.
Colon Cemetery — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Colon Cemetery
One of the most historically significant cemeteries in the world, in Havana.
Havana Fishing Port — Plaza de Armas (Cuba)
Havana Fishing Port
Center of the fishing fleet.