Guide to Havana, Cuba
U.S. Navy 1954
[REF:
Guide to Havana, Cuba, U.S. Navy Fleet Publication 1954]
Page
1
Guide to HAVANA, CUBA
(This pamphlet is being distributed to personnel visiting
Havana during February 1954)
Geography and Climate
Cuba is a semitropical island located on the upper rim of
the torrid
zone, a link between the Gulf of Mexico on the West and the
Atlantic
Ocean on the east. The largest and richest island in
the West
Indies, Cuba extends 760 miles in length and varies from 25
to 124
miles in width; no point on the island is more than 40 miles
from the
sea. The total area is 44,164 square miles; about the
size of
Pennsylvania.
Approximately one-half of Cuba consists of flat or rolling
terrain, the
remainder is hilly or mountainous. The highest of
these mountains
rises to 6562 feet, but most of them are less than half this
height. Cuba's temperature averages 77 in the winter
and 82 in
the summer; an almost continual trade wind alleviates the
hotter days.
Brief Historical Summary
Columbus discovered Cuba on his first voyage to the New
World in
1492. By 1515 Diego de Velasques had succeeded in
conquering and
settling most of the island in the name of the King of
Spain, thus
bringing four centuries of Spanish rule.
To defend Havana and their other settlements against the
buccaneers,
the Spaniards built the historic Castillo de la Fuerza in
1538.
From this fortress, Hernando de Soto sailed with his
expedition which
led to the discovery of the Mississippi River, and Ponce de
Leon
departed for his exploration of Florida. From here
too, Balboa,
Cortez and Pizarro left on their voyages of exploration and
conquest.
From the beginning of the colonial period, Cubans suffered
from the
economic and political restraints imposed on them by their
Spanish
rulers. In the 16th century, a large illicit trade
developed with
foreign colonies and the West Indies pirates; during the
next two
centuries this illegal trade was of primary importance to
the island's
economic life.
In 1762, Havana was captured by a strong English force under
Lord
Albermarle. It was returned to Spain the next year,
however,
under a treaty which gave Florida to England. Though
of short
duration, the British occupation was important because it
revealed
Havana's commercial potentialities and opened up the port to
trade.
The Napoleonic Wars had an important effect on the island,
for during
this period Cuba was repeatedly cut off from Spain, and the
islanders
enjoyed a large measure of economic and political
freedom. The
attempts of the Spanish King to re-establish their
autocratic rule
after the wars with France were met with a series of
movements aimed at
Cuban independence.
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Throughout the 19th century, Cuban leaders continued their
fight for
freedom in numerous abortive revolts. From 1868 to
1878, many of
Cuba's greatest heroes laid down their lives in the Ten
Years' War, but
the superior arms and resources of Spain won out. The
final
revolt began in 1895. In late 1897 there were food
riots in
Havana which threatened American citizens and their
property. As
a result of these riots the USS MAINE arrived there in
January
1898. Tension between the U.S. and Spain continued to
mount, and
on 15 February the MAINE mysteriously blew up in Havana
harbor,
carrying 260 of her crew to the bottom. While a court
of inquiry
was unable to fix the blame for the explosion, American
public opinion
ran so high that President McKinley recommended armed
intervention to
end the conflict in Cuba. Thus in April, 1898 Congress
declared
war against Spain, with the provision that control of the
island be
handed over to the Cuban people once Cuba was free.
The war lasted only four months, and was followed by a
period of
control by the U.S. Military Government. In 1901 a
Cuban
constitution was drawn up providing for a democratic form of
government
and that same year Estrada Palma was duly elected Cuba's
first
president.
Cuba today is a sovereign nation. On March 10, 1952
Gen.
Fulgencio Batista seized power, suspended the 1940
Constitution and on
April 4 assumed the position of provisional president.
Under a
new constitutional code the executive now governs by decree.
The City of Havana
General: The Capital and cultural center of the Republic of
Cuba,
Havana is situated on the northern coast about 500 miles
from the
eastern end and approximately 200 miles from the western end
of the
island. With an estimated population of more than
850,000 in
1952, Havana is by far the largest city in Cuba. The
harbor of
Havana is natural, well-sheltered and landlocked; 80% of
Cuba's imports
and exports flow over the Port's 50 docks.
Distances by sea from Havana to various U.S. and foreign
ports are as
follows: Key West, 106 miles; Miami, 222 miles; New Orleans,
694 miles;
Veracruz, Mexico, 937 miles; Colon, Panama, 1,155 miles; New
York,
1,366 miles; Rio de Janeiro, 4,623 miles; Buenos Aires, 5724
miles.
Points of Interest
The National Capitol Building - Located just southwest of
the Parque
Central in the heart of the city. One of the most
striking
Capitols in the world, built at a cost of $20,000,000.
Exterior
of Cuban limestone, steps of Vermont granite, interior
lavishly fitted
with marble, mahogany, and bronze. Visiting hours: 9
a.m. to 5
p.m. on week-days 9 a.m. to 12 midnight on Sundays.
Admission:
$.25. Visitors in civilian clothes must wear coats.
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MAINE Monument - On the Malecon Drive opposite the National
Hotel. An impressive structure built by the Cuban
people in
memory of the two officers and 258 crewmen who went down on
the
battleship MAINE when she was mysteriously blown up on
February 15,
1898. Two months later, the U.S. declared war against
Spain,
largely because of public feeling whipped up by the battle
cry
"Remember the MAINE!" It should be especially noted
that while
personnel from this ship are visiting Havana, high ranking
Cuban and
American officials will conduct appropriate ceremonies at
the monument
on February 15, the 56th anniversary of the disaster.
La Plaza de Armas - First public square laid out in Havana
in 1519, and
for centuries the center of the city's political, social,
and religious
life. City Hall, on the west side of the Plaza, served
first
(1790) as the official quarters of the Spanish Governors,
next of the
U.S. administration, and then of the Cuban Presidents until
the
Presidential Palace was built in 1920. The central
monument is
that of Ferdinand VII, whom Napoleon forced to abdicate in
1808.
The Supreme Court building occupies the northwest side of
the Plaza.
La Fuerza - Oldest building in Havana and second oldest fort
in the New
World. Built by de Soto in the years 1538-1544 to
protect the
city from pirate raids. Located just off Plaza de
Armas.
El Templete - Cathedral and monument erected on the spot
where the
first mass and the first city council were held in
1519. Bones of
Columbus were brought here in 1795 to be declared genuine
relics by the
Church and State officials. Located on the eastern
side of La
Plaza de Armas.
El Morro - Another of the massive forts designed to protect
Havana
against pirate raids; completed in 1597. Excellent
view of the
harbor and the city from here. The tower is now used
as a
lighthouse and signal station. Located on the eastern
side of the
channel entrance leading into the harbor.
Paseo de Marti - Commonly known as the "Prado".
Described as one
of the most beautiful avenues in the world. Extends
from La Punta
past the Capitol to the Parque de la Fraternidad.
La Punta Fortress - Built about the same time as El Morro to
intensify
the defenses of the port and city. Located across the
channel
from El Morro. Presently used by the Cuban Navy.
City Wall - Remnants of the old city wall located not far
from La
Punta. A high and massive structure which indicates
the boundary
of old Havana. The wall required more than a century
to build
(1633 to 1740), at a cost of $700,000.
Vedado - The most progressive and beautiful suburb of
Havana, located
to the north of the main part of the city. Several
square miles
of ultra-modern and palatial residences.
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Columbus Cathedral - One of the most impressive of Havana's
many
churches; built in 1704, by the Jesuits. Excellent
example of
Hispano-American architecture. Interior contains many
famous
paintings. Columbus' remains rested here for a
time.
Located north of Plaza de Armas.
Customs Regulations
Do not barter or sell cigarettes and other U.S. Navy
Exchange and
Ship's Store items for local merchandise. Regulations
provide
that not more than two packs of cigarettes be taken ashore
by an
individual. Cameras and portable radios are
permissible for
personal use.
Although no definite limit for service men has been
established by the
customs people in Norfolk, it is recommended that the $300
limitation
on imports applying to civilians be adhered to.
Customs limit the
purchase of the following perfumes to one bottle:
Anticipation, Chanel,
Coty, Banger, Chantilly, Elizabeth Arden, Jean Patou, Joy,
Lanvin, and
My Sin. The purchase of more than one bottle of the
above
perfumes and/or any of the following perfumes: Woodbury's
Academic Amor
Skin, Anjoy, Bandit, Campana Dreskin, Cotton Blossom,
Devastating,
Dreskin, Golden Arrow, Italian Balm, Knize Ten and Old South
will
require the seals to be broken in the presence of a custom
official. The removal of trade names and trade marks
will be
required in the presence of a customs official of the
following musical
instruments: Hohner, Scandali, Dallape and Henri
Selmer. Customs
regulations permit only 100 cigars to be brought into the
U.S. from
Havana.
Liberty Information
Buses: Within the city, transportation is provided by a bus
system with
fares of 8 cents plus 2 cents for transfer and crossing the
Almandares
River.
Taxis: From the dock to the center of town $.50 for two
persons,
approximately $.25 for each additional person, and $2.00 to
$2.50 from
the center of town to the Miramar or Country Club
area. For other
trips, it is always best to arrange the price in
advance. There
is no scarcity of taxis in Havana, and they may be readily
identified
by the word "ALQUILER" which appears above the number on the
license
plate. Cabs are of varying hues, and there are no
Yellow,
Checker, or similar paint jobs to identify them. Taxis
may be
hired by the day. A car for the day should cost about
$15 to $20
and it is suggested that two or more drivers be contacted as
to price,
so that competitive bidding will keep the fare within the
normal
current range.
Guide Tours: Information on guides and tours may be obtained
from the Cuban Transit Commission in Havana.
Money and Exchange: The Cuban Peso is at par with the
American Dollar
and the two currencies circulate interchangeably in
Havana. Cuban
fractional coins consist of silver pieces of 10, 20, and 40
cents and
nickel pieces of 1 and 5 cents.
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Shopping: Since Cuban handicraft is limited, and imported
articles are
usually higher in price than in the United States, shopping
in Havana
is somewhat difficult. However alligator bags,
perfumes, silk
blouses, embroidered handkerchiefs, alligator sandals for
children,
etc. are among the leading gift purchases. There are
also many
inexpensive souvenirs (castanets, maracas, etc.)
available.
Cigars are the leading product of the island and are
definitely the
best buy in Havana. Comparative shopping is suggested.
Golf: Personnel may play golf at the Country Club, about 25
miles from the center of town, if accompanied by a member.
Swimming: Ocean swimming at Playa de Marianao, about 20
minutes drive
by auto. Admission is $.80 to $1.20.
Refreshments are
dinners may be bought at the club house.
Motion Pictures: First run theaters downtown are: America,
Encanto,
Fausto, Radio Cine, Warner and Plaza - Admission $1.00 to
$1.50; also
there is the Rex Theater, which shows newsreels and short
subjects
exclusively; the running commentary is in Spanish.
Jai-Alai: The fastest sport in the world is played
throughout the year
at two frontons in Havana, the main one located at Concordia
and Lucena
Streets. Admission is $.80 to $1.25 and the games
commence at
2030. The betting system is very complicated, and
unless one is
familiar with its intricacies, no bets should be made.
Baseball: A high caliber of baseball is played throughout
the year at
Tropic park and the Stadium, both some distance from the
center of
town. Afternoon games start at 1500, night games at
2100.
General admission is $.50 to a single game. U.S. major
league
players participate in the winter games.
Carnival: It is believed that Havana's annual Carnival will
take place
during the week this ship is in port. Somewhat similar
to New
Orleans' Mardi Gras, the celebration will include numerous
colorful
parades, dances, and public and private masked balls.
Dog Races: Nightly at 2030 at track near Playa de
Marianao (Coreda Beach).
Restaurant:
La Moda, Industria near San Rafael (Spanish Food,
reasonable)
Frascati, Prado 357 (specialty Italian food)
El Patio, Prado 72 (expensive)
Paris Restaurant, Cathedral Square (expensive)
La Zarogonzana, (La Zaragozana) Monserrate at Obispo Street
Miami, Prado 362
Pan American Club, Bernaza 1
American Club, Prado 309. A private club with full
facilities
available if a guest of a member. This includes meals,
bar
gymnasium, and reading room.
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Bars:
Sloppy Joe's, Agramante 250
Florida (Floridita) Bar, Monserrate a Obispo Street
(self-styled "Cradle of the Daiquiri").
Two Brothers, 304 Avenida and Puerto
Pan American Club, Berna 291 near Florida Bar
Night Clubs:
Tropicana - Floor Show. Minimum charge $4.00
Avenida
Truffin, about 30 minutes by auto from the center of town
Sans Souci - Floor Show. Minimum charge $3.50
Central Highway outside Havana
Bambu Room - Floor Show. Minimum charge similar to
Tropicana.
Central
Highway outside Havana.
Pennsylvania Café - Floor Show. Minimum charge $1.50
About
20 minutes by auto from downtown.
Montmarte - 101 23rd Street. Floor Shows. Very
expensive.
Across
from Hotel Nacional.
Hotels:
Hotel Nacional is the most expensive hotel in the
city. It has an
excellent location, facing the sea, surrounded by gardens,
with tennis
courts and private swimming pool for guests. It is a
deluxe
establishment; the food is good but very expensive.
Hotel Presidente is a very good and comfortable hotel,
located in the
Vedado residential district near the sea, much less
pretentious than
the Hotel Nacional; its food is good but expensive.
Hotel Sevilla Biltmore is a popular and comfortable hotel
located on
the Prado in the center of the shopping district; it has a
special rate
for military personnel.
[NOTE: Numbers relate to
Map References]
Principal Buildings
and Places of Public Interest
1. National Capitol
2. Presidential Palace
3. Supreme Court
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
4. Interior
5. State
6. Justice
7. Public Works - Santa Clara Convent
8. Treasury
9. Education
10. National Defense
11. Agriculture
12. Health
13. Labor
14. Commerce
15. Main Post Office San Francisco Convent
16. Provincial Government
17. City Hall
18. National Archives
19. National Museum
20. Havana High School (Institute)
21. School of Arts & Crafts
22. Finlay Institute
23. Columbia Military City
24. Navy Department
25. Produce Exchange Building
26. Aldama Palace
- University of Havana
- Belen College, Buena Vista
- National Casino
04- Cuban Telephone Company
27. Confederation of Cuban Workers Building
- Cuban Tourist Commission
- Paula Church (C)
(C) Old Colonial building
CEMETERIES
Colon
Baptist
Chinese
MONUMENTS AND STATUES
28. The "Templete"
29. Jose de la Luz y Caballero
30. Cervantes
31. Students of 71
32. Maximo Gomez
33. Juan Clemente Zenea
34. Presidente Zayas
35. Jose Marti
36. Albear
37. Indian Fountain
38. Pan American Fraternity Tree
39. Marti's birth place
40. Antonio Maceo
41. Maine
42. Chinese Monument
43. General Alejandro Rodriguez (first Mayor of
Havana)
44. Jose Miguel Gomez
45. Ferdinand the VII
46. Finlay
PRINCIPAL PARKS AND SQUARES
Fraternity
Zoological Park
35. Central Park
40. Maceo
41. Maine
48. Alameda de Paula
45. Armas Square
Cathedral Square
30. San Juan de Dios
34. Presidente Zayas
49. Victor Hugo
50. Gonzalo de Quesada
51. Menocal
52. Pasteur
53. Tulipan
CHURCHES
54. Columbus Cathedral
55. Angel
56. Christ
57. Saint Francis
58. Holy Ghost
59. Mercy
60. Monserrat
61. Sacred Heart
62. Carmen
63. Saint John of Letran
64. Vedado Parish
65. Baptist
66. Methodist
67. Presbiterian
EXCLUSIVE CLUBS WITH
BEACHES
Havana Yacht Club
Miramar Yacht Club
68. Jaimanitas Club
69. Deportivo Club (Miramar)
47. Deportivo Club
70. Hijas de Galicia
Military Civic
Institute
71. Club Nautico de Marianao
72. Spanish Casino
Professionals' Club
78. Vedado Tennis Club
PUBLIC BEACH
73. "La Concha" - Marianao
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
74. Galician Club
75. Asturian Club
76. Clerk's Club
77. Spanish Club
Union Club
Country Club
79. Grand Lodge of the Island of Cuba
80. American Club
81. Automovil & Aereo Club
83. Lyceum Lawn Tennis Club
(Women's)
OLD CONVENTS
7. Santa Clara Convent
15. San Francisco Convent
PRINCIPAL THEATRES
95. America
84. Amphitheatre (Open air theatre)
85. Alcazar
86. Auditorium
87. Campoamor
88. Encanto
89. Fausto
90. Payret
91. Principal de la Comedia
92. Nacional
95. Radio Cine
105. Rex
94. Riviera
96. Trianon
77-A Warner's (CMQ Radio Center)
SPORTS AND PLAYGROUNDS
97. Fronton Jai-Alai
98. Fronton Havana-Madrid
Conventions &
Sports Palace
99. Polar Stadium
100. Tropical Stadium
University
Stadium
Grand Stadium of
Havana
78. Vedado Tennis Club Stadium
Children's
Playground
101. Valla Habana (cock fights)
102. Orphan Asylum Stadium
HOTELS
103. Alamar, Galiano 308
Alcazar
104. Ambos Mundos, Obispo 153
105. Bristol, Amistad & San Rafael
106. Florida, Obispo 252
107. Gran America, Industria 502
108. Inglaterra, Prado 416
109. Havana Blackstone, Cuba & Amargura
110. Lafayette, O'Reilly 264
111. Lincoln, Galiano & Virtudes
112. Monserrat, Monserrate 401
113. Nacional de Cuba, O & 21st Vedado
114. New York, Dragones 156
115. Nueva Isla, Monte 259
116. Ocean, Malecon & Genios
117. Packard, Prado & Carcel
118. Park, Zapata & Paseo, Vedado
119. Parkview, Morro & Colon
120. Pasaje, Prado 115
121. Perla de Cuba, Amistad 458
122. Plaza, Neptuno & Zulueta
123. Presidente, Calzada & G, Vedado
124. Regina, Industria 410
125. Ritz, Neptuno 514
126. Royal Palm, Industria & San Rafael
127. S. Carlos, Ave. de Belgica 507
128. San Luis, Belascoain 73
129. Saratoga, Prado 603
130. Sevilla-Biltmore, Prado 255
131. Vedado, 101 Nineteenth, Vedado
FAMILY HOTELS
132. Apartment Hotel, 8 & 19 Sts., Vedado
133. Areces, Prado 106
134. Biarritz Residential, Prado 519
135. Carabanchel, O'Reilly 360
136. Gran Hotel, Ave. del Brasil 557
137. Moderno, Dragones 165
138. Palacio, Ave. de Belgica 359
139. Regis Residencial, Prado 163
140. Trotcha, Calzada 758, Vedado
HOSPITALS
141. Children's
142. Maternity
143. Mercedes
144. Emergencia
145. Anglo-American
"Covadonga"
Clinic (Asturian Club)
"Purisima"
Clinic (Clerks Club)
COLONIAL FORTRESSES
Morro Castle
La Cabana
La Fuerza - National Library
La Punta - General Headquarters of the Navy
Atares
Principe Castle - City Prison
Chorrera Fort
AIRPORTS
Rancho Boyeros Airport
Military Airport (Columbia)
RAILROAD AND BUS STATIONS
Central R R Station
Central Bus Station
PIERS
S. Francisco (Custom House)
Machina
Santa Clara
Paula
United Fruit
Ward Line
Peninsular & Occidental SS Co.
Atares
SUBURBAN PLACES OF INTEREST
Bosque de la Habana (Havana Forest)
Toledo Sugar Mill
146. Quinta de los Molinos
146. Botanical Gardens
147. "La Tropical" Gardens
99. "La Polar" Gardens
148. Almendares Bridge
Havana
Aqueduct
TOWNSHIPS
Arroyo Arenas
El Cano
Marianao City
Rancho Boyeros
Wajay
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