Tuesday, January 12, 2016

The Cathedrals and Basilicas of Cuba

Russian Orthodoc Cjurch
     In my travels through Cuba, one of the most remarkable places I visited were the churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas.  Both Santiago de Cuba had many remarkable structures dedicated to their belief in God.




     In Havana there were three that really stood out for me.   First was the Russian Orthodox Church near the harbor.  It was a clean white with a gold color Russian style dome.   I really stands out as you walk through the marina area.



Basilica de San Franisco
Basilica de San Francisco



     In the area of Port of San Francisco, there was the Basilica of San Francisco.  This was a very old stone basilica that was very majestic and a classic catholic church in design and appearance.







Plaza de la Cathedral


     In the more central part of Havana is the Plaza de la Cathedral.  With its huge plaza filled with
tables and chairs, it has become a favorite of the locals for lunch.  The cathedral is not open to the public, so it can only be observed from the outside.





Basilica Iglesia Cathedral



     Traveling to the Eastern end of the island, you will find Basilica Iguesia Cathedral in central Santiago de Cuba.  This Cathedral has a huge plaza in front that the public use on a regular basis.  This is another of the beautifully maintained religious sites in Cuba.



     The most impressive of all of the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of Cobra.  Located just outside of Santiago de Cuba in the town of Cobra (Meaning Copper) surrounded by the copper mines that keep the area working.  This Basilica is the on that the Pope has visited several time in the past few decades, including in 2015.

Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of Cobra