The historic core of Havana is defined by the limits of the ancient
colonial settlement founded in 1519 and that was later girded by fortified
walls. Practically all architectural styles intertwine in this quarter making
it the largest and most complete colonial compound in Latin America. It was
consequently given recognition and named a National
Monument by the Cuban government in the late 1970s, and in 1982 it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, triggering a master restoration program that is still going on today. The Spanish traditional method of founding the site required the
construction of public squares which were usually flanked by the homes of the wealthiest
families and adjacent to monasteries and churches. Pirate raids and European power
threats resulted in the construction of forts, cannon batteries, and a
wall; part of three defensive systems that the Spanish Crown made effective
during their first iron rule on the island.
Obispo Street
It was one of the
first streets that were built in old Havana and it was wisely used to lay out the
city from the 16 th century on. The street acquired its name due to a
house constantly inhabited by bishops which was located on one of its corners
right by the arms square, the oldest one in town. In subsequent century, the
street became an important commercial gathering spot in the city reaching its
peak in the early 1900’s when it was even referred to as the main access point
to “The Wall Street” district in town where the main banking institutions were
located. It is today a pedestrian’s only street and still the center of social
and commercial activities in Old Havana.
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