Saint Francis of Assisi Plaza

Saint Francis of Assisi Plaza sits beside the harbour at the entrance to Old Havana, facing the Sierra Maestra ship terminal. Its cobbled open space is centred on the white-marble Fountain of the Lions, carved in 1836 by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Gaggini. The plaza is bordered by colonial buildings and the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Asís, whose church dates to the late 16th century. Stop to see the fountain and architecture, then take a break at a nearby café or restaurant before walking on to Old Havana’s other squares.

A square shaped by the harbour

Plaza de San Francisco de Asís stands near the entrance to Old Havana, facing the Sierra Maestra ship terminal. Its position by the water shaped its early role: during the colonial period, ships unloaded goods here, and the square became a trading centre. Today, the open cobbled space provides a pause between the waterfront and the streets of the old city.

The plaza is asymmetrical and relatively uncluttered. At its centre is the Fuente de los Leones, a white-marble fountain carved in 1836 by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Gaggini. The lion figures give the square a clear focal point and a place to stop before continuing on foot.

The basilica and nearby sights

The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Asís gives the plaza its name. The church dates to the late 16th century. Its interior is also used for concerts, in part because of its acoustics. The square’s setting combines the religious complex with colonial architecture, cafés and restaurants.

Other sights in and around the plaza include a bronze statue of the Caballero de París, a local character commemorated in the square, and nearby museums, including the Rum Museum and the house museum of Alexander Humboldt. From here, you can continue to Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral or Plaza de Armas, or take a horse-and-buggy tour of Havana.