It was also enriched by the trade in goods (sugar cane, tobacco, coffee…) and acted as a hub for gold in the triangular trade between Europe, the Americas and Africa. Despite this, it became the Caribbean colonial centre, an important shipbuilding site in the region and the stopover point for many slaves displaced from the Old to the New World. Recovered with the intention to restore and then fortified by the Spanish monarchy, Old Havana with its vintage Cuban charm and now one of Cuba’s most beautiful tourist spots remained under the frequent threat of pirates prowling in the region of the Gulf of Mexico and had to counteract the desire of the French or the English to expand. Due to its privileged geographical location, the harbour and emblematic city was attacked, looted and burned in 1555 by the French pirate Jacques de Sores in search of gold and treasure in possession of the conquistadors. Thirty years later, it supplanted Santiago de Cuba to the rank of capital of the archipelago. The city of Havana was founded in 1519 on the north-west coast of Cuba following a new Spanish expedition led by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, first governor of the archipelago. You’re looking at a former Spanish colony that was originally inhabited by different Caribbean tribes (Siboney, Guanahatabey and Taíno). You’ll also find the history of this part of the city will equip you to experience its vintage Cuban charm and understand the roots of its lively culture when you explore one of the oldest vintage cars, art galleries with their art deco, and even a national monument.

Visit old Havana, and you’ll see the historic neighbourhood of Havana, capital of Cuba.

The dark heart of old havana