Outside Plaza San Francisco de Asís at 154 Oficios, this Havana statue honours José María López Lledín, the Spanish-born man remembered as El Caballero de Paris. Born in 1899, he was imprisoned in Cuba in 1920 and later became known for his distinctive appearance, friendly manner and wide knowledge. The statue is a fitting stop for learning about one of the city’s memorable characters. A local legend links touching his beard and hand and stepping on his left shoe’s toe with good luck.
The man behind the statue
José María López Lledín was born in Spain in 1899. He was imprisoned in Cuba in 1920, and later became known in Havana as El Caballero de Paris. His striking appearance, friendly manner and knowledge made him a familiar and much-loved figure in the city.
The monument commemorates his place in Havana’s story. It stands at 154 Oficios, outside Plaza San Francisco de Asís.
Sculptures in the plaza
El Caballero de Paris is one of three sculptures in Plaza San Francisco de Asís. Another is La Conversación, added in 2012 as a gift from the French ambassador. The square gives you a chance to see the statues together while visiting the monument.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is El Caballero de Paris?
The statue is outside Plaza San Francisco de Asís at 154 Oficios in Havana.
Who was El Caballero de Paris?
He was José María López Lledín, a Spanish-born man who became a well-known figure in Havana.
What is the good-luck tradition at the statue?
The tradition is to touch the statue’s beard and hand and step on the toe of his left shoe.
