Page 87 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

CENTRO HABANA AND PR ADO  85

1 . Hotel Inglaterra
This historic hotel has
retained its 19th-century
atmosphere. Despite
the British name, the
CENTRO
architectural elements HABANA AND
and decoration are PRADO
clearly Spanish-inspired.
Locator Map
See Street Finder, pp122–7, map 4

Calle San Rafael, known
as Boulevard, is a narrow
street for pedestrians only.
Up to the 1950s it was
famous for its luxury
shops and boutiques.
The Iberostar Parque
Central is modern but its
design blends in well with
the surroundings (see p257).
7 . Paseo del Prado
This avenue, the locals’ favourite for
strolling, is lined with lovely buildings
with carefully restored arcades.

CALLE NEPTUNO
P A R Q U E C E N T R A L Martí, Cuba’s national
The statue of José
hero, was sculpted
in Carrara marble
in Rome by José
Vilalta y Saavedra
and inaugurated on
24 February 1905
by Generalissimo
Máximo Gómez.

C A L L E S A N R A F A E L
The Manzana de Gómez,
a 19th-century building, was
once a major commercial
centre. It is due to open as
a five-star hotel in 2017.

The Centro Asturiano, with
the characteristic towers on
its corners, was designed by The Hotel Plaza, built in the
Spanish architect Manuel del 19th century as a private residence,
Busto and opened in 1928. became a hotel in 1909. It was
It is home to the Museo de frequented by great artists of
Bellas Artes’ international art the time, from Isadora Duncan to
collection (see pp96–9). Enrico Caruso and Anna Pavlova.

084-085_EW_Cuba.indd 85 14/02/17 11:35 am