Obispo Street, enduring charm

Join this fascinating tour through one of the oldest streets in Havana: Obispo Street. Its origin dates back to 1520, almost at the same time as the founding of the Villa de San Cristóbal de La Habana, which makes it a historical jewel more than 500 years old. Over the years, this important artery has undergone several restorations to preserve its splendor, turning it into a magnificent pedestrian boulevard that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Along 11 blocks, with an approximate length of 2 kilometers, from the Gran Plaza de Armas to the old Monserrate Street, today known as Avenida de Bélgica, Obispo Street immerses us in the history and architecture of the oldest part of Havana.

Since 1840, this street has been known for its cobblestones and the variety of stores it houses. I started this tour on Monserrate Street, where on the right is the famous Floridita and on the left the lively Plazoleta de Albear, a tribute to the creator of Havana's Albear Aqueducts.

On the next corner, on Bernaza Street, you will discover the façade of the La Moderna Poesía building, which housed a well-known bookstore and printing house. I remember very well when I went to present my final year project to the university, the engraving of the cover was done there and it was of very good quality. They also spliced and restored books. This establishment is a place of great historical importance because it was the first steel engraving factory and the most important bookstore in Cuba in those years.

As you walk down this quaint, narrow cobblestone street, you will be surprised by bazaars, cafes, fashion houses, candy stores and coffee shops that blend into a vibrant architectural landscape. The facades show a mix of ancient columns with modern details and others retain their grand old style. The street is so narrow that, at times, it can be overwhelming with the number of buildings, but every step will captivate you even more, as you won't want to miss a single detail.

On Obispo Street, between Aguacate and Compostela, you will find a charming little park with a sculpture of Don Quixote's faithful squire and friend, the plump Sancho Panza. This small park invites you to rest with its vegetation and a pergola that provides shade. On the other side of the sidewalk, you will see the "Patio de los Artesanos", a space dedicated to handicrafts, where endless tables display the products made by skilled artisans. This place attracts numerous tourists in search of a souvenir of Cuba.

On the corner of Aguiar, there are three imposing buildings. At number 303, you will find a building dating from 1915. The "Europa" building, with its cafeteria on the second floor, stands out for its colonial style, with thick columns and projecting balconies. On the sidewalk across the street stands an imposing building, which currently houses the Cuban Book Institute, formerly known as "Banco Gomez-Menas", this 9-story building is one of the tallest in the area. Its pronounced eaves and the main entrance with large arches and columns are testimony of an architectural work that evidences the opulence of its owners in those years. Finally, on the same corner, is the famous Johnson & Johnson Drugstore, with a sequence of beautiful arches. It is currently closed for restoration work, but its facade is still impressive.

Another notable building between Aguiar and Obrapia streets is the Numismatic Museum, which used to be the Mendoza Bank. This building itself is a work of art, a wonderful example of Havana's heritage.

I continued moving towards the Plaza de Armas and in the next block, there are some museums and stores, such as Quitrin, dedicated to making all kinds of clothing and handmade fabrics. You will also find bakeries, candy shops, restaurants, all very well preserved and painted with bright colors, balconies with beautiful turned wood structures very nice.

Finally, you will arrive at the Plaza de Armas with its corridors of columns, semicircular arches and balconies with stained glass windows. This is the end of this boulevard, the longest in Havana, full of great buildings, culture and history.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and feel motivated to make your own. I am sure you will discover things that I could not see, because, as much as I wanted to, my eyes could not take it all in that intricate and eternal labyrinth of blocks, cobblestones and columns. Obispo Street always holds surprises and charms in every corner.