Havana - Iglesia del Espiritu Santo

The Iglesia del Espiritu Santo is the oldest church in Havana. The church has an interesting history and used to possess a power normally found only in government, the power to offer asylum to those being persecuted.

Built in the early 17th Century in the Hispanic-Arab style, the Iglesia del Espiritu Santo was changed quite dramatically in the 19th Century and looks much different today.

Perhaps more interesting than the Iglesia del Espiritu Santo itself is the marketplace located around the church. Here visitors will find an unusual assortment of vendors selling special herbs used in the treatment of various ailments. Of special interest are the votive items used in the Afro Cuban cult religions.