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El Capitolio
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Landmark
El Capitolio in Havana is one of Cuba's most magnificent buildings and a landmark of the capital. It was built between 1926 and 1929 under the direction of architect Eugenio Rayneri Piedra and served as the seat of parliament until the 1959 Cuban Revolution. The building visually resembles the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., but its details and proportions are inspired by the Panthéon in Paris. Particularly impressive is the 92-meter-high dome, which for a long time marked the highest point in the city. Inside is the world's third-largest indoor bronze statue, the Statue of the Republic, which is covered in gold leaf. Another highlight is the 25-carat diamond in the floor of the main hall, marking Kilometer Zero for the Cuban road network. After an extensive multi-year restoration, the Capitolio now once again serves as the seat of the National Assembly of People's Power.
- Location: Cuba
- Top sights: Church Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje, Havana · Floridita
- Nearby: Batabanó (10 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
Visiting
El Capitolio is a monumental building in Havana that can be visited for a small fee. Inside you can see the ornate halls, the library, and the dome.
Typical hours
The building is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, often from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Mondays are usually closed; it is advisable to check the current hours in advance.
Photography
Photography inside is allowed without flash to protect the artworks and furniture. In the dome hall, photography is usually particularly impressive but permitted without a tripod.
Time needed
Allow about one hour for the tour of the main halls and the museum. If you are interested in architectural details, plan for 90 minutes.
Combine with
El Capitolio is centrally located in Havana, easily combined with a visit to Parque Central and the Gran Teatro. Old Town is just a few minutes' walk away.
Getting there
The building is within walking distance from Parque Central; taxis and buses stop nearby. The main entrance is on Paseo de Martí.
Insider tip
Book your ticket online in advance to avoid queues, especially on weekends. Climbing to the dome has an excellent view of the city.
Geography
Facts
- The building was officially inaugurated on May 20, 1929.
- The dome reaches a total height of 91.73 meters.
- The Statue of the Republic inside is 15 meters tall.
- A 25-carat diamond marks the country's Kilometer Zero.
- Over 5,000 workers were employed for the construction.
- The Capitolio houses the National Library of Science and Technology.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town El Capitolio (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Capitol in Havana?
Yes, guided tours are available through the grand halls and to the Statue of the Republic.
Is the Capitol larger than the one in Washington?
Yes, the Cuban Capitol is slightly larger in its dimensions than the U.S. version.
What is located under the dome?
The zero-kilometer marker is there, marked by a replica of a 25-carat diamond.
What are the visiting hours?
Usually daily from 09:00 to 16:00, though government events take precedence.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It is advisable to buy tickets early in the day on-site, as group sizes are limited.
El Capitolio: where is it located?
El Capitolio is located in Cuba.
El Capitolio: what is there to see?
Highlights include Church Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje, Havana, Floridita.
El Capitolio: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
El Capitolio: why is it worth visiting?
El Capitolio in Havana is one of Cuba's most magnificent buildings and a landmark of the capital.
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