Things to Do at El Capitolio

The dome rises 91.7 meters above the Prado - exactly one meter taller than the US Capitol in Washington, a fact every Cuban guide will mention within 30 seconds. El Capitolio was completed in 1929 under President Machado at a cost of USD 17 million, a staggering sum that funded Italian marble floors, bronze doors weighing 24 tons, and a 17-meter statue of the Republic plated in gold leaf inside the main hall. Step through those bronze doors and the interior hits harder than the exterior promises. The central hall is 120 meters long with marble from Italy, Belgium, andGermanycovering every surface. Set into the floor beneath the dome, a 24-carat replica diamond marks Kilometer Zero - the point from which all distances in Cuba are measured. The original diamond disappeared mysteriously in 1946 and was returned in 1973. The building spent years as a science academy after the revolution, but a major restoration completed in 2019 returned the National Assembly here. Tours run daily through rooms that mix revolutionary austerity with pre-revolutionary excess. Entry fees are ₱25 ($1) with parking typically ₱10 ($0). The peaceful ambiance creates an ideal setting for exploration, where golden sunlight filtering reveals intricate architectural details and natural formations. Visitors often notice the echoing footsteps and feel of warm sunlight beneath their hands as they navigate through different sections. Practical tip: Allow extra time to fully explore all areas and viewpoints. The combination of historical significance and sensory experiences makes this destination particularly rewarding for those who take time to engage with both its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

On the Prado between Old Havana and Centro Habana - visible from almost every elevated point in the city. Walk 5 minutes from Parque Central, 10 minutes from Plaza de Armas in Old Havana, or 20 minutes from the Malecon. From Vedado, a taxi costs USD 5 or 500 CUP. The Capitolio steps are one of Havana's best people-watching spots. Classic car taxis line up on the Prado out front, charging USD 30-40 for a 1-hour city tour.