Had it not been for the colonization of Cuba, then Havana would not have appeared. Indians previously lived on this island, but the Spanish colonialists turned out to be so cruel towards the local population that over time it was destroyed, if not by the hands of European settlers, then by hunger and disease. Therefore, the history of Havana is the history of Europeans and Africans who were forcibly resettled here as slaves by representatives of the white race.
The founding year of the Cuban capital is 1519th. Even the date is known - September 16. It acquired the status of an administrative center already in 1563.
City of revolutions
The British army captured Havana in 1762, but soon the city was returned to the Spaniards, exchanging it for Florida, which today belongs to the United States. The next century for Cuba was the century of the liberation movement, and by the end of it, in 1895, Havana became the center of a revolution that grew into a national liberation war, which led to the fact that the Spanish government recognized the independence of the rebellious island.
However, the Spaniards did not want to lose influence in Cuba so quickly, and the United States intervened in the conflict when it was fighting against Spain. The city was occupied by American troops until 1902. After that, Cuba became finally independent, but this did not save it from internal conflicts, the center of which, of course, was the capital. Constant military coups have brought the city's economy into decline. And only when the communist regime was established on the island, Havana began to develop, mainly with the support of the USSR.
One of the most beautiful capitals in the world
As we can see, the history of Havana is briefly a history of political conflicts that only an authoritarian regime could end. And all the more surprising is the fact that the Havanese managed to preserve their historical and architectural monuments in good condition. And these are buildings that are not at all related to the period of Fidel Castro, but much more ancient! Many of them are dated to the 16th – 17th centuries. For example, the fortress of La Real Fuersa; the castle of Castillo de la Real Fuersa, now also a museum; monastery of Santa Clara.
Top 10 attractions in Havana
Many of the historical sights, which have lost some of their splendor and grandeur over time, are gradually being restored by the Havanese, which, along with the festivals held here, makes the city even more attractive and interesting for tourists.
