Havana Cathedral former resting place of the great Explorer Christopher Columbus
A Walk Through History: Plaza de la Catedral, Old Havana
While walking through the cobbled streets of Old Havana, I came upon Plaza de la Catedral, a charming square that stands as one of the city’s architectural and historical treasures. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plaza is dominated by the Havana Cathedral, officially known as Catedral de la Habana, a striking example of Cuban Baroque architecture completed in 1777.
This cathedral once held a remarkable piece of world history: the remains of the famed Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus.
Though born in Genoa, Italy, Columbus sailed under the Spanish crown, backed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, and made his historic voyages across the Atlantic in their name. On October 27, 1492, during his first voyage, he arrived in Cuba. Enchanted by its lush beauty, he is said to have declared:
“This is the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen.”
He named the island “Juana”, in honor of the Spanish Princess Juana, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella.
Before his death in 1506, Columbus expressed his wish to be buried in the New World. Initially interred in Spain, his remains were moved to Hispaniola (modern-day Dominican Republic) and, in 1796, they were transferred to Havana when Spain ceded part of Hispaniola to the French. His bones were entombed at the altar of the Havana Cathedral, where they remained for over a century.
However, during the Cuban War of Independence (1895–1898), Spain feared the remains could be lost or desecrated. In 1898, they were repatriated to Seville, Spain, where they are interred today in Seville Cathedral.
Christopher Columbus died on May 20, 1506, at the age of 54, in Valladolid, Spain. Yet, the legacy of his journeys and the places he touched—like Cuba—continue to echo through history, and places like Plaza de la Catedral serve as lasting reminders of that connection.
1451-1506
The homeless sleeping at the sacred doors of the Havana Cathedral and the surrounding streets.
Inside the sanctuary of the Havana Cathedral.
Unique mailbox in the square beside the Havana Cathedral. Place the letter in the mouth.
