Havana, the capital of the island of Cuba was founded by the Spanish in the 16^th century. Havana served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the Americas, and also as a halting point for the treasure laden Spanish ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean, because of its strategic location. Ships from all over the New World carried products first to Havana, in order to be taken by the fleet to Spain. The thousands of ships that gathered in the city’s bay also fuelled Havana’s agriculture and manufacturing industries, since the ships had to be supplied with food, water, and other products needed for a long ocean voyage. 

Its physical heritage is Spanish and its spiritual foundation is with the Indians that came before. This combining is reflected in her full name — San Cristobal de la Habana. It combines San Cristóbal, the city's patron saint, with Habana, a name of mysterious origins that is said to be the name of the daughter of a major chieftain, Habaguanex, who controlled the area. 

The city was captured by the British in the eighteenth century., but was later reclaimed by Spain. In the 20^th century, Cuba and Havana were occupied by the USA. The American occupation of Cuba ended in 1902. 

In 1959, a revolution saw Fidel Castro and the Communists taking control of Cuba.  

Today, the city is the seat of the Cuban government and its colourful history draws millions of tourists every year. 

Great old buildings like the Convent of St Augustin, El Morro Castle, the chapel of the Humilladero, the fountain of Dorotea de la Luna in La Chorrera, the Church of the Holy Angel, the hospital of San Lazaro, the monastery of Santa Teresa and the Convent of San Felipe Neri keep Havana steeped in tradition and rich in spirits. 

Cuba is practically synonymous with the word “cigars” and a visit to one of the three major Cuban cigar factories in Havana can give a good indication as to why. 

An important landmark in the centre of Havana, the Capitolio Nacional is an impressive site. 

The old city was founded in 1519, and was often a target for pirates which explains the dilapidated, yet still imposing, remains of Havana’s city walls. Nowadays the old city includes museums, hotels, shops and restaurants to line the picturesque cobble stoned streets. The plazas are marked by meticulously restored colonial buildings and attractive churches, which make the perfect backdrop for Havana’s old city life as it goes by. The region also includes La Bodeguita Del Medio – a bar made famous thanks to its patronage by Mr Ernest Hemingway.