Havana - Cathedral Catedral de San Cristobal

The Catedral de San Cristobal tests your faith. The reason for this is the claim that the relics of Christopher Columbus were housed here from 1796 to 1898. There is no official proof and the claim has not been independently verified.

Apart from the dubious claim, the Catedral de San Cristobal should still be on every visitor's list of things to see in Havana.

The building was begun in 1748 by the Jesuits, but completed twenty-nine years later in 1777 by the Franciscans.

The exterior of the Catedral de San Cristobal is quite stunning. Done up in a style referred to as Cuban baroque, there are two large bell towers and many inlaid columns. The interior of the building is less grandiose due to a 19th Century neo-Classical makeover but worth a quick look for the huge statue of St Christopher and the impressive vaulted ceilings.