Havana

Havana is the capital of Cuba. It was founded on August 25, 1515 by Conquistador Diego Velazquez de Cuellar on the southern coast of the island. The conquest of Cuba began in 1510 when the first Spanish colonists arrived from La Hispaniola. In 1915, the city was shifted to its present location. As a trading port, the city suffered regular attacks by buccaneers, pirates and French corsairs. It gained wealth and importance in 1563 and on December 20, 1592 King Philip II of Spain entitled Havana with the status of 'City.' By 17th century, the city enhanced much and by the middle of 18th century, the British navy captured the city. But in 1763, they returned the city to the Spanish in exchange for Florida. Later, the Spanish changed it into a heavily fortified city in America. By 19th century, the city flourished and prospered with several skyscrapers. Although comparatively the smallest of the Cuban provinces, it is the main base for the government of the country and plays an important part in the economy of the country.

Area & Location: Located over 144 km south-southwest of Key West, Florida, Havana is situated at 23º06'54.8? Latitude North and 82º23'11.3? Longitude West.Situated on the northwest coast of Cuba, facing the Straits of Florida, the city is surrounded by the province of Havana to the south, east and west. It occupies a total area of 721.01 sq. km. the city is home to 2.2 million of its inhabitants.

Tourist Attractions: Havana is a well-known tourist destination and invites millions of tourists to its soil. As a place with wonderful climate, tourists visit here to chill themselves.

Transportation: Jose Marti International Airport, the international airport in Havana brings the world closer to the city. The city operates many buses for daily commuters. The trailers transformed into buses, known as camellos and are used to move passengers from one place to another. This is a real solution to the traffic congestion in the city. The taxis called 'The Colectivos', that operate long and fixed routes are another mode of transportation in the city. The passenger ferry is also used in the city to transport people.

Hotels: The hotels in Havana can be rated as simply fabulous. These hotels offer custom made reception to its guests. They make sure that food items catering to the needs of their customers are served. Hotel Nacional de Cuba, SuperClubs Breezes Jibacoa, NH Parque Central, Hotel Florida, Hostal El Comendador, Hotel Raquel, Hostal Valencia, Hostal Beltran de Santa Cruz and Hostal Conde de Villanueva are the famous hotels in the city.

Places of Attraction: Havana has a number of beaches that are the major attractions of the city. Tropicana - tropical cabaret with a 60-year-old history, Necropolis Cristobal Colon - burial grounds and open-air museum, Malecon -the avenue, Museum of the Revolution-that tells the story of Cuban Revolution, La Bodeguita del Medio-the place for a cigar and tequila, Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana -a fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza - a historic site, The Capitolio, Old Square, Guanabacoa and Playas de Este- a famed Cuban beach often visited by tourists for sun bath are the interesting sites in the city.