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University of Havana

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Landmark
—°3
University of Havana (Cuba)

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The University of Havana, established on September 21, 1728, by Dominican friars, is the oldest university in Cuba and one of the first in the Americas. Originally located in Old Havana, it was relocated on May 1, 1902, to its current iconic site on the hill of Vedado, known as 'La Colina'. The campus is renowned for its grand neoclassical architecture, specifically the monumental 88-step staircase that leads to the Alma Mater bronze statue, sculpted by Mario Korbel in 1919. Historically, the university served as a crucible for Cuban political thought and revolutionary movements, with notable alumni including Fidel Castro who studied law here in the 1940s. The institution currently comprises 18 faculties and numerous research centers, covering a wide range of academic disciplines from nuclear physics to social sciences. The entire university complex was designated as a National Monument of Cuba in 1978 for its architectural and historical significance.

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 University of Havana is an active campus; the main entrance and central square are open to the public. Some buildings are reserved for students and staff.
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Typical hours
The campus is generally open during the day, but there are no fixed visiting hours. Early morning and late evening access may be restricted.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed on the campus grounds. Inside libraries or lecture halls, photography may be prohibited - ask.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes for a walk around the central square and main façade. Those appreciating architecture may spend an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Calle Infanta and Parque Trillo. The Museum of the Revolution is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The university is in Havana's Vedado district, about 15 minutes' walk from the Malecon. Taxis and buses stop on the main road before the campus.
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Insider tip
Visit the campus early morning when light beautifully illuminates the colonial architecture. Look for student activities - sometimes there are guided tours.

Geography

Coordinates
23.13000, -82.36500

Facts

  • Founded on September 21, 1728, as a religious institution.
  • Relocated to the Vedado district on May 1, 1902.
  • The grand ceremonial staircase features a total of 88 steps.
  • The iconic Alma Mater statue was installed in 1919.
  • It was the primary site of student protests in the 1950s.
  • Designated as a National Monument of Cuba in 1978.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

HavanaHavana<1 km · SWExplore →
Havana Club Rum MuseumHavana Club Rum Museum1 km · NExplore →
Lenin ParkLenin Park2 km · SWExplore →
Santiago de las VegasSantiago de las Vegas3 km · NWExplore →
Almendares RiverAlmendares River4 km · SExplore →
Hemingway HouseHemingway House8 km · NExplore →
Fortress of CojímarFortress of Cojímar9 km · NExplore →
Havana Steel PlantHavana Steel Plant9 km · SExplore →

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 University of Havana (3)

Depósito del Automóvil📍 landmark

A former automobile warehouse in Havana, now used for cultural events.

Plaza del Vapor, Havana📍 landmark

A square in the Centro Habana neighborhood, named after a former steam mill.

Palacio de Aldama📍 landmark

A large neoclassical mansion from the 19th century in central Havana.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the University of Havana founded?
It was founded in 1728 and is the oldest university in Cuba.
Can you visit the campus as a tourist?
Yes, you can walk around the grounds and see the impressive main staircase.
Which statue stands at the top of the stairs?
The famous 'Alma Mater' statue, which is the symbol of the university.
Are there museums on the campus?
Yes, there are natural history and anthropology museums, among others, on site.
Where is the university located?
It is located in the Vedado district, on a hill near Calle 23.
University of Havana: where is it located?
University of Havana is located in Cuba.
University of Havana: what is there to see?
Highlights include Depósito del Automóvil, Plaza del Vapor, Havana, Palacio de Aldama.
University of Havana: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
University of Havana: why is it worth visiting?
The University of Havana, established on September 21, 1728, by Dominican friars, is the oldest university in Cuba and one of the first in the Americas.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso — University of Havana (Cuba)
Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso
The most renowned opera and ballet building in Cuba.
Central Park — University of Havana (Cuba)
Central Park
A bustling park in the heart of the city, surrounded by significant buildings.
Great Theatre of Havana — University of Havana (Cuba)
Great Theatre of Havana
A grand theater in Havana and a major symbol of the city's cultural life.
The Malecón — University of Havana (Cuba)
The Malecón
Havana's famous seaside promenade, a meeting place for all generations.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba — University of Havana (Cuba)
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
A historic hotel built in the 1930s that is a legend.
Paseo del Prado — University of Havana (Cuba)
Paseo del Prado
A famous tree-lined promenade in the center of Havana.
Colón Cemetery — University of Havana (Cuba)
Colón Cemetery
One of the most monumental cemeteries in the Americas, known for its funerary architecture.
El Capitolio — University of Havana (Cuba)
El Capitolio
A monumental government building inspired by the US Capitol in Washington.

Nature

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

More places

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