Iglesia del Esp铆ritu Santo (Church of the Holy Spirit), Havana

Built in 1635 by a fraternity of Afro-Cuban ex-slaves, the Iglesia del Esp铆ritu Santo is Havana's earliest Christian church, and also the only church in Havana to give political asylum. It is also well-known for its possession of some exceptional images on linen, plus a crypt with catacombs. The bell tower on the left side is among the tallest buildings in the old part of the city, though it is said that the main interest lies essentially in the simplicity of the coral stone construction and the lack of lavish decoration.

Inside there are original paintings by the Cuban painter Jos茅 Nicol谩s de la Escalera ("Cuba's first painter") and Aristides Fernandez (20th Century), among them the large oil painting titled The Burial of Christ.

The church was rebuilt and expanded in 1648 and given the rank of a parish. During the colonial era it had exceptional importance, since by a Papal Bull of 1772 and a Royal Certificate of 1773, of Charles III of Spain, it was declared "脷nica Iglesia inmune en esta ciudad, construida en 1855." (鈥漷he only immune church in this city, built-in 1855."), which meant that any persecuted individual could find Amparo (sanctuary) in it against the action of the authorities or of justice. A metal plaque at the foot of the bell tower attests to this fact.

Other elements of great importance are the funerary crypts that were discovered in 1953. The crypt is from times before the Colon Cemetery (1876) in El Vedado was built. The crypt is entered from the left of the altar and contains several catacombs.

Many illustrious people of Havana were baptized in this church, among them the educator Jos茅 de la Luz y Caballero. Bishop Ger贸nimo Vald茅s, a founder of La Casa de Beneficencia y Maternidad de La Habana, was buried in the Church; the master sepulcher of Bishop Vald茅s was found in 1936.

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Sight Name: Iglesia del Esp铆ritu Santo (Church of the Holy Spirit)
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Havana, Cuba

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Creating your own self-guided walk in Havana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour

Ever since Hemingway first visited Cuba in 1928 until his death in 1961, he felt an intense connection with the people and culture of Cuba. Hemingway lived at Hotel Ambos Mundos during the 1930s, and began, wrote, and finished several novels there. Today, you can see some of Hemingway's belongings in Room 511.

Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris.... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Discovered and conquered by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century, Havana has turned into a major religious center of Catholicism in the Caribbean. Although a communist regime is currently in power, many of the churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings have been preserved and still give a glimpse of the city鈥檚 religious heritage.

The old Havana Cathedral, located in a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Old Town Walking Tour

The Spanish founded Havana in 1519. After French pirate Jacques de Sores ransacked the city in 1555, the Castle of the Royal Force was built to protect the city.

Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.

Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Old Palaces Walking Tour

Havana has been the seat of Cuba鈥檚 ruling gentry for centuries. Today, you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore its palaces to get a glimpse into the city鈥檚 royal past. Although these structures now serve Havana鈥檚 citizens and visitors, they still catch your eye (and your camera lens!) with their architecture and history.

Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

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