An extravagant 18th-century masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture, the Palacio De Los Capitanes Generales is a must for history buffs and museum lovers alike. With spacious arcades supported by grand arches and chiselled columns overlooking a lush, landscaped courtyard, the building has preserved much of its original character since its initial construction in 1776.

The splendid two-storey limestone building houses several notable artworks and artefacts of Havana’s past, including “La Giradilla”, a statue that later became the symbol of Havana city, “The Hall of Heroic Cuba”, a magnificent hallway lined by important relics from the wars of independence as well as historic flags of national significance, and the original “his and hers” Carrara marble nautilus shell baths made for the Capitanes Generales and their wives. The Palacio De Los Capitanes Generales possesses deep historical significance as an iconic landmark in Havana, having served as the Spanish colonial government headquarters, the former official residence of the governors of Cuba, the administrative centre of the U.S military, the presidential palace for the Cuban Republic, and Havana’s City Hall. Today, it functions as the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum), offering visitors fascinating insight into the rich history of the vibrant and dynamic city of Havana, Cuba.