Page 74 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

72  HA V ANA AREA B Y AREA

La Giraldilla
There are various theories as to
the meaning of the bronze weather-
vane sculpted by Gerónimo Martín
Pinzón in 1630–34 and modelled
on the one crowning La Giralda in
Seville. Some people say it is the
symbol of victory, others think it is
the personification of Seville, the
final destination of ships going to
Europe. But others say the statue
Stairway leading to the battle ments, represents Inés de Bobadilla, wife
Castillo de la Real Fuerza of the Spanish governor Hernando The tower with its copy of the
5 Castillo de la de Soto. According to legend, she 17th-century weathervane
spent hours gazing at the horizon,
Real Fuerza waiting for her husband to return from his exploration of Florida
and other parts of the US (in vain, since he died on the banks of the
O’Reilly e/Tacón y Avenida del Mississippi). This is said to be the reason why the statue was placed
Puerto. Map 4 F2. Tel 7864 4490. on the highest point of the fortress dominating the port entrance.
Open 9:30am–5pm Tue–Sun. &
Note: fee for photography may apply.
This fortress (castillo) was built placed on the lookout tower, 6 El Templete
in 1558–77 to protect the city which soon became the symbol Plaza de Armas, Calle Baratillo y
from pirate attacks, following a of Havana. The original is on O’Reilly. Map 4 F2. Open 9am–5pm
raid by the French buccaneer display in the entrance and a Tue–Sun. Closed 1 Jan, 1 May. 8
Jacques de Sores in 1555, copy has been placed on the
in which the original fort was tower. In 1851, part of the Small and austere, this Neo-
destroyed and Havana fortress’s façade was Classical building, resembling
devastated (see p44). But despite demolished to enable Calle a temple, stands on the spot
its moat and thick walls, the O’Reilly to be extended to the where, according to legend,
castle soon proved to be quite waterfront. This street was the city of San Cristóbal de
inadequate as a defensive named for Alejandro O’Reilly, La Habana was founded in
bulwark because of its poor an Irishman who became a 1599. Here, under a leafy
strategic position, too far inside Spanish military commander ceiba – a tropical tree
the bay. The castle then became in the 18th century and who considered sacred by all the
the residence of governors, advised King Carlos III of Spain natives of Central America –
military comman ders and on improving Havana’s defences the first meeting of the local
leading figures, as well as a safe after the British invasion of 1762. government (the cabildo)
place to store treasures brought Today, the Castillo houses and the first mass reputedly
from America and en route to a shipwreck museum with took place. A majestic ceiba
Spain. In 1634, a weathervane displays of artifacts, jewels and tree still stands in front of
known as La Giraldilla was a large model of the naval ship El Templete, although it is
Santísima Trinidad. not the original. Next to it is

Castillo de la Real Fuerza, with its drawbridge, entrance, moat and Giraldilla tower (left)
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p256 and p270

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