Havana - City Museum

(Local Name: Museo de la Ciudad) Housed in the spectacular Cuban baroque Palacio de los Capitanes, the Museo de la Ciudad should be on every visitor's must see list. The museum provides an excellent overview of the history of the city of Havana from its humble beginnings to the vibrant city it is today.

There are many displays in the Museo de la Ciudad and it takes a while to tour. Be sure to check out the Hall of Heroic Cuba for a fascinating display of objects from the revolution. Art history buffs will want to visit the Espada Cemetery Room to view the tomb of famous French artist Vermay.

In the Throne Room, visitors can view a sumptuous chair that was built for the visit of a Spanish monarch but was never used. The highlight of a visit to the Museo de la Ciudad is the Salon de los Esperjos. This room has beautiful 19th Century mirrors and was where the official end of Spanish rule was proclaimed in 1899.

Other items of interest in the museum are the Cenotaph from the Parroquial Mayor Church, La Giraldilla, the oldest bronze statue in Cuba, and the busts in the gallery overlooking the wonderful courtyard.