Havana Cathedral
Church Baroque cathedral in Old Havana's central plaza
Havana Cathedral sits on Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana; visitors come for its Baroque façade, colonial-era square, nearby museums and the city’s concentrated architectural heritage.
Havana Cathedral, formally the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, is an 18th-century Baroque Roman Catholic cathedral located on the Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana. It is one of the primary ecclesiastical landmarks in central Havana and a focal point of the historic city core.
The building is noted for its baroque façade, interior altarpieces and the compact plaza that frames the church. The cathedral forms part of the dense ensemble of colonial-era buildings in Old Havana that together are a popular area for walking and sightseeing.
Construction of the current cathedral building took place in the 18th century on land associated with earlier Jesuit properties; it became the seat of the local archdiocese and has undergone restorations over time. Its architectural and urban prominence reflect Havana’s colonial-era history.
The cathedral stands in the historic centre of Havana, adjacent to narrow streets, squares and other colonial buildings in Old Havana, within easy walking distance of the harbourfront and central city attractions.
- Plaza viewpoint: The cathedral fronts the Plaza de la Catedral, a compact square that is one of Old Havana's principal photographic viewpoints, especially in the late afternoon light.
How to Get to Havana Cathedral #
The cathedral sits in Plaza de la Catedral in Habana Vieja (Old Havana), within walking distance of the Capitolio and the Malecón. Most visitors arrive on foot from central Havana; taxis and colectivos drop off nearby.
Tips for Visiting Havana Cathedral #
- Arrive during evening light for better façade photography - the Baroque façade catches the low sun dramatically.
- Listen for the cathedral's two bells; they give the plaza a rhythm and are part of local ritual.
- Combine a visit with a walk through Old Havana's Plaza de la Catedral and nearby cafés for the full colonial atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Havana Cathedral #
November-April offers the most comfortable weather for exploring Havana's plazas and colonial churches.
Weather & Climate near Havana Cathedral #
Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1264 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (196 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (149 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
