Journey Into Old Havana's Vibrant History | National Geographic

[Music] With diverse indigenous African and European roots, Havana's culture and architecture reflect Cuba's complex history of conquest, slavery, liberation, and revolution. [Music] Chosen for its strategic location on the island's northwestern coast in the early 16th century, the city grew into the largest port in Spain's Caribbean colonies.

The original layout of Havana Vieja (Old Havana) is still intact. Building ordinances in the 19th and 20th centuries preserved the city's architectural integrity. Wrought iron gates, historic statues, and stone balconies adorned its five main plazas among some 900 surrounding historic buildings.

A few highlights include the Castillo de la Royale Fuerza, one of the oldest existing forts in the Americas; the 18th century Catedral de la Habana, on the plaza by the same name; and the Museo de la Ciudad, housed in a baroque palace on Havana's original town square. Even with international recognition, the work of preserving the historic city center remains ongoing. [Music]

Visitors from around the world flock to Havana for its exciting nightlife and a fascinating blended cultural heritage of art, music, and design. Traveling to Cuba is much easier for US citizens than it used to be, but check the State Department website for any current advisory notices. [Music]