Cuba : Havana, the capital where time has stood still

Havana is the capital of Cuba. Among the examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the centre of Old Havana, which dates back to the 16th century, is the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, which serves as both a fortress and a maritime museum. The Capitol is an important monument dating back to the 1920s. Old Havana is also home to the Baroque Cathedral of San Cristóbal and the Old Square, whose buildings reflect the city's lively mix of architectural styles. Numerous vintage American cars pass through the city streets and rumba bands play in the colourful alleyway of Callejón de Hamel. Salsa music permeates all the clubs, while cabaret shows are held in the famous Tropicana. In the Centro Habana area, the National Museum of Fine Arts exhibits Cuban art, the impressive Grand Theatre stages ballet and drama shows, while the Museo de la Revolución occupies what was once the presidential palace.