Plizio Visual Lab

Cathedral Square

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Plaza de la Catedral is one of the four main squares in Old Havana (Habana Vieja) and is widely considered the most architecturally uniform ensemble in the city. The square is dominated by the striking Cathedral of San Cristóbal, whose Baroque facade with asymmetrical towers was completed in the late 18th century. The square itself was developed on what was once swampy ground, drained to provide space for the grand palaces of the Cuban aristocracy. Surrounding the plaza are significant buildings such as the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras and the Palacio del Conde de Lombillo, which now house museums and restaurants. Its cobblestone streets and preserved colonial atmosphere make it one of the most photographed locations in Cuba. In 1982, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the rest of Old Havana. Today, the plaza serves as a cultural hub and a favored meeting point for both locals and international visitors.

Location: Cuba
Top sights: Landing of the Granma · Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana · Museo Nacional de Historia Natural Cubana
Nearby: Batabanó (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	24	25	27	28	29	29	29	28	27	25	24
Rain mm	30	29	23	33	64	108	83	108	102	87	45	30

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Cathedral Square in Havana is a public square, freely accessible at any time. You can admire the surrounding architecture and the cathedral.

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Typical hours

The square is open 24/7. Shops and restaurants around the square are usually open from late morning until late evening.

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Photography

The square is a photographer's paradise, especially in late afternoon when light highlights the cathedral's baroque facade. Capture the cobblestone street and colonial buildings.

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Time needed

Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for a stroll around the square. If you stop at one of the surrounding cafés, you can linger longer.

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Combine with

The square is in the heart of Old Havana, near Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Plaza de Armas. You can explore all three squares in one morning.

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Getting there

Cathedral Square is walkable from all of Old Havana. Taxis and horse carriages drop you at the edge of the square.

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Insider tip

Visit the square in the evening when the cathedral is lit up and restaurants put tables out on the square. Try a traditional Cuban coffee at one of the street cafés.

Geography

Coordinates

23.14000, -82.35500

Facts

The square was originally named Plaza de la Ciénaga (Swamp Square).
The cathedral was constructed by Jesuits between 1748 and 1777.
Alejo Carpentier famously called the cathedral 'music turned to stone'.
Christopher Columbus's remains were housed here from 1796 to 1898.
The Palacio de los Condes de Casa Bayona houses the Colonial Museum.
The square is almost perfectly square and is closed to motorized traffic.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

El Capitolio<1 km · WExplore →

Havana Industrial Complex3 km · SExplore →

Santiago de las Vegas3 km · WExplore →

Almendares River5 km · SExplore →

Hemingway House6 km · NExplore →

Fortress of Cojímar8 km · NExplore →

Batabanó11 km · NWExplore →

Havana Steel Plant11 km · SExplore →

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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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cathedral Square (3)

Landing of the Granma📍 landmark

Landing of the Granma yacht in 1956, marking the start of the armed uprising in Cuba.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana📍 landmark

Fine arts museum in Havana, featuring Cuban and international paintings and sculptures.

Museo Nacional de Historia Natural Cubana📍 landmark

Natural history museum in Havana, displaying Cuba's flora, fauna, and geology.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you see at the Plaza de la Catedral?

Besides the cathedral, the square is surrounded by colonial palaces and cafes.

Are there many street performers there?

Yes, you can often find musicians and women in traditional costumes for photos.

Is the square lit up at night?

Yes, the cathedral is beautifully lit at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

Where is the best place to eat around the square?

Famous paladares can be found in the surrounding streets like Calle Empedrado.

Is there a cost to enter the square?

No, access to the public square is free for everyone at any time.

Cathedral Square: where is it located?

Cathedral Square is located in Cuba.

Cathedral Square: what is there to see?

Highlights include Landing of the Granma, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural Cubana.

Cathedral Square: when is the best time to visit?

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

Cathedral Square: why is it worth visiting?

The Plaza de la Catedral is one of the four main squares in Old Havana (Habana Vieja) and is widely considered the most architecturally uniform ensemble in the city.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →