Things to Do at El Capitolio

El Capitolio, officially known as the Capitolio Nacional, is one of Havana's most iconic and recognizable landmarks. Built between 1926 and 1929 during the presidency of Gerardo Machado, this magnificent neoclassical building was designed to house Cuba's Congress and was inspired by the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Standing at 91.73 meters tall, its impressive dome was once the third-largest in the world and dominated Havana's skyline for decades. After the Cuban Revolution, the building ceased to function as the seat of government and was repurposed for various uses, including housing the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the National Library of Science and Technology. Following an extensive restoration project that began in 2010, El Capitolio was beautifully restored to its former glory and now serves as the seat of the National Assembly of People's Power. The building represents a stunning example of republican-era architecture and stands as a symbol of Cuba's complex political history.

El Capitolio is located in Centro Habana at the intersection of Prado and San José streets, making it easily accessible by various means of transport. You can walk from Old Havana (Habana Vieja) in about 10-15 minutes, or take a classic car taxi, modern taxi, or coco-taxi from anywhere in the city. The building is also accessible via local buses (guaguas) and is a short walk from the Parque Central area. If staying in Vedado, it's about a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride across the Malecón.