What is the significance of Old Havana?

The central area of the original city of Havana in Cuba is called Old Havana. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1982. This historical city’s development can be traced back to the 16th century.

The city of Havana was established by the Spaniards in 1519. This was one of the earliest cities established by Europeans in the Western hemisphere. In 1561 Philip II of Spain issued a royal decree that all the ships from the New World to Spain must gather their fleets in Havana Bay. This was to prevent pirate attacks on their galleon convoys. Due to this royal announcement, commerce and trade in Havana grew.

Today, what had been the walls of the original Havana City are the boundary of Old Havana. Buildings here are already in desperate need of some long-term solutions for their preservation. Hurricane Ike destroyed many of the buildings in Old Havana in 2008 and many inhabitants had to leave the city for their safety.

Picture Credit : Google

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