The Malecon is the famous boulevard and attracts locals and tourists. There is no other place that shows more the soul of Havana. This 7 km. long seaside promenade runs along historic parts of the city, the colonial center (Habana Vieja) and along the boring Russian apartments in Vedado. The boulevard is a summary of Havana `s history. There are a lot of very beautiful buildings along the Malecon. Unfortunately they are often in poor condition or faded by the sun and the salt of the sea. For the residents of Havana the Malecon is tradition and important for the people with the Sant Aria Faith. They throw offerings into the sea for Yemaya gods. The Malecon is a meeting place for young people. There is flirting, playing music, swimming and children playing games between the rocks. Others come here to catch their daily fish for dinner. Fortunately, more and more buildings are restored. Specifically at sunset the old buildings get a magical color as the sun shines. When visiting Havana you should definitely take a walk on the Malecon. The Caryatids building is one of the main buildings at the beginning of the Malecon. Built in the twentieth century and recently restored. Under the porch you see women in Art Deco style. Furthermore, you also see many buildings with Moorish motifs. At rough weather the waves hit meters high over the balustrade. Unfortunately, every year curious tourists on the quay rinsed into the sea. The history of the Malecon: On November 4, 1901 the U.S. authorities, who had conquered Cuba, began the work on the Malecon. A tree decorated promenade had to start at the Castillo de la Punta where access to the bay is the narrowest. Strong winds, frequent hurricanes and rough seas changed the plans. The American architect Mead and Frenchman Jean Forestier developed a better plan. In Habana Vieja (Old Havana) they built hotels and cafe `s. Beach facilities were constructed in Miramar. It was the road between the old and new part of Havana. Further away from the old town is the promenade along the modern skyscraper with the Vedado Hotel Havana Libre as eyecatcher. Furthermore, you see the Monument to the Victims of Maine, Hotel Nacional and the Tribuna Anti - Imperialista located in the front yard of the American embassy. For more information about "Cuba...a special island" take a look at my blog: http://holidaycuba.blogspot.nl/

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