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Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

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Landmark
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Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)

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The Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís is one of the most significant religious and architectural ensembles in Old Havana. Originally established in the late 16th century, the monastery and its church were extensively rebuilt in the 18th century in a grand Baroque style. A standout feature is its 42-meter-high bell tower, which once served as the highest point in the city and now features unparalleled views of the harbor. After its religious function ended in the 19th century, the building was used for various secular purposes before undergoing full restoration. Today, the basilica primarily serves as a concert hall for chamber music, world-renowned for its exceptional acoustics, while the monastery houses the Museum of Religious Art. In front of the entrance stands the famous bronze statue of the 'Caballero de París,' a beloved local figure from Havana's street history. The complex is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage area, notable for its massive stone walls and elegant interior appointments. The Plaza de San Francisco in front of the building is a bustling hub of city life.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222425272829292928272524
Rain mm302923336410883108102874530

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a church open to visitors, usually free of charge. The adjoining cloister and museum can also be visited.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open daily, though hours may vary on holidays. Services usually take place in the morning and evening, when entry is restricted.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed inside the church without flash. In some areas, especially during services, photography may be prohibited.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the church visit. Those also seeing the cloister and museum should budget an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through Old Havana. Nearby are Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.
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Getting there
The basilica is located in Havana's historic center, easily reachable on foot. Taxis and horse carriages stop nearby; the nearest bus stop is about 5 minutes away.
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Insider tip
Visit the basilica in the morning to enjoy the light through the stained glass. Dress modestly - shoulders and knees should be covered.

Geography

Coordinates
23.14300, -82.34800

Facts

  • The current Baroque structure was built between 1719 and 1738.
  • The bell tower includes an observation platform open to visitors.
  • In the 19th century, the building functioned as a post office and customs warehouse.
  • The basilica's acoustics are considered among the best in Latin America.
  • The museum contains sacred art objects sourced from all over Cuba.
  • The crypt serves as the final resting place for important colonial figures.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fortaleza de la CabañaFortaleza de la Cabaña<1 km · SEExplore →
University of HavanaUniversity of Havana2 km · SExplore →
Santiago de las VegasSantiago de las Vegas3 km · WExplore →
Havana Industrial ComplexHavana Industrial Complex4 km · SExplore →
Hemingway HouseHemingway House6 km · NExplore →
Almendares RiverAlmendares River6 km · SExplore →
Fortress of CojímarFortress of Cojímar8 km · NExplore →
BatabanóBatabanó10 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (3)

El Templete📍 landmark

A neoclassical building near Plaza de Armas, marking the site of Havana's first mass and city council.

Christ of Havana📍 landmark

A large white marble statue on a hilltop, overlooking the Bay of Havana.

Plaza de Armas (Havana)📍 landmark

Havana's oldest square, surrounded by colonial buildings, with a central park and fountain.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Basilica of San Francisco de Asís used for today?
It primarily serves as a museum of religious art and a concert hall for classical music.
Can you climb the bell tower?
Yes, visitors can climb the tower for a great view over Havana.
Is there a famous statue there?
In front of the basilica stands the bronze statue of 'El Caballero de París', a famous Havana figure.
Where is the basilica located?
It is located at the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís in Old Havana.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes to visit the museum and the tower.
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: where is it located?
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is located in Cuba.
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: what is there to see?
Highlights include El Templete, Christ of Havana, Plaza de Armas (Havana).
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: why is it worth visiting?
The Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís is one of the most significant religious and architectural ensembles in Old Havana.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Santiago de las Vegas — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Santiago de las Vegas
A city in the Havana province, home to the Cuban Meteorological Institute.

History & landmarks

Plaza de Armas — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Plaza de Armas
The oldest square in Havana, named after the military drills.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Castillo de la Real Fuerza
A 16th-century fortress, one of the oldest colonial military structures in the Americas.
Castillo de la Punta — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Castillo de la Punta
A historic fort at the entrance to Havana Bay, opposite Castillo del Morro.
Morro Castle — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Morro Castle
An impressive fortress at the entrance to Havana Harbor.
Havana Cathedral — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Havana Cathedral
One of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, built in baroque style on the Cathedral Plaza.
Calle Obispo — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Calle Obispo
A busy pedestrian street in Old Havana lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Palace of the Captains General — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Palace of the Captains General
Former seat of Spanish governors in Havana, now the city museum.
Cathedral Square — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Cathedral Square
An important historic square in the old town of Havana.

Nature

Almendares River — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Almendares River
A river that flows through Havana, dividing the city in two.

More places

Fortaleza de la Cabaña — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Fortaleza de la Cabaña
Large 18th-century fortress east of the harbor entrance.
Port of Havana — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Port of Havana
The main port of Havana Bay and one of Cuba's busiest maritime gateways.
José Martí Birthplace — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
José Martí Birthplace
Birthplace of Cuba's national hero in Havana.
Havana Textile Factory — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Havana Textile Factory
Production of apparel.
Museum of the Revolution — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Museum of the Revolution
Former presidential palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.
Havana Industrial Complex — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Havana Industrial Complex
An industrial site associated with Cuba's state-led manufacturing and processing sector.
Colon Cemetery — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Colon Cemetery
One of the most historically significant cemeteries in the world, in Havana.
Havana Fishing Port — Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Cuba)
Havana Fishing Port
Center of the fishing fleet.