Iglesia del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje (Church of the Good Voyage), Havana

The Church of the Good Voyage (Iglesia del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje) was built in the mid-17th century and officially designated as a parish church in 1693 by Bishop Avelino de Compostela, one of the leading priests in Cuba at the time.

Constructed during a period when sea voyages were perilous, it gained popularity in the colonial era as a sanctuary for travelers and seafarers. It served as a place of prayer for those embarking on journeys and as a site for expressing gratitude upon returning safely to land. Inside the church, there is an image of Christ on the Cross, believed to offer protection to travelers. In later years, during Cuba's republican period, devotion to Santa Rita was also observed at the church.

The Church of the Good Voyage is known for its simple yet symmetrical design, featuring a baroque fa莽ade and two hexagonal towers: the Epistle Tower and the Gospel Tower. The latter houses four bells, with the oldest dating back to 1515. An arch flares outward over the entrance, while inside, the nave boasts a Hispano-Moorish Mud茅jar wooden ceiling and a centuries-old crucifix.

As part of the Stations of the Cross tradition, the Iglesia Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje marked the final station of a procession originating from the old Saint Francis church, passing through Calle Amargura. Over the centuries, both the church and its plaza have provided solace and spiritual comfort to penitents seeking respite.

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Sight Name: Iglesia del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje (Church of the Good Voyage)
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

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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

Old Palaces Walking Tour

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

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

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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

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