Plaza de la Catedral

Plaza de la Catedral is an 18th-century square in Old Havana, framed by colonial buildings and the Baroque façade of Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana. Stop to look closely at the cathedral’s two unequal towers, then explore the surrounding mansions and the Colonial Art Museum. The cobbled plaza is a useful starting point for walking between Old Havana’s historic squares, with restaurants and museums nearby. Go early if you want a quieter look; the square draws plenty of people later in the day.

The cathedral and its unusual façade

Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana gives the square its name and its most prominent landmark. Its Baroque façade dates to the 18th century, with columns, carved details and two towers that are not the same width. The façade curves inward toward the central entrance, while its shaped pediment gives the roofline an undulating outline.

The cathedral was completed in 1777. Coral was used in parts of its stonework, where fossilized marine life can be seen in the walls. Inside are paintings and historical sculptures. The cathedral’s interior is open to visitors, though access and activities can depend on services taking place.

The buildings around the square

The compact cobbled plaza is enclosed by colonial-era buildings, including former mansions and palaces. Their façades, balconies, arcades and ironwork sit alongside the cathedral’s Baroque details. The square is one of Old Havana’s five historic plazas, each with its own architectural character.

The area’s history predates its present appearance. The low-lying ground was once marshy and was later used as a naval dockyard. The square took its current form in the 18th century, when the cathedral and nearby residences helped shape the area. Its buildings now provide a close-up view of Old Havana’s colonial architecture.