Embankment Malecon

The Malecon promenade is considered one of the most beautiful streets in the Cuban capital, Havana. It runs along the Atlantic Ocean and is very popular among locals and tourists. This is a cult place, which is sure to be visited by all guests of the city.

What is remarkable about the Malecon?

The street is a promenade, the length of which is about 7 km. The Malecon promenade originates in the old part of Havana, not far from the fortress of San Salvador, and ends near the National Hotel. It passes through 14 city blocks, therefore, walking along it, tourists will be able to get acquainted with the history of the capital.

This is a cult place with interesting monuments and colorful architectural structures. By the way, many buildings are in a rather poor condition, but in recent years, reconstruction work has begun here, partly funded by the World Organization of UNESCO. The Malecon promenade often hosts various events, carnivals and festivals.

Street history

The promenade was laid at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, when local authorities decided to protect this area from the destructive power of the ocean. The embankment was designed back in 1875, but the final work was completed after about 50 years. After the first 500 m long section was built, the American government erected a square here to mark this event.

Today, the popular Miramar Hotel is located on this site, near which traditional ensembles of the country perform on Sundays. Since 1902, the Cuban government continued construction work. The townspeople quickly appreciated the advantages of the promenade and began to spend their free time on it. The territory of the street was built up with buildings until 1952. By the way, Malecon is translated from Spanish as «quay».

Description of the promenade

Currently, this place is a kind of monument to the history of Cuba, its people and heroes. This is a wide and busy avenue, consisting of 6 lanes (3 in each direction) and is the central transport artery of the capital.

There are many diverse buildings on the Malecon embankment, modern hotels and company offices alternate with fortresses and buildings built in the Soviet style. This street stands out from the rest and has a unique atmosphere.

What to watch?

As you move along the Malecon, various sights will come across along the way. The most interesting of them are:

1. Edifico Fox is a residential building consisting of 39 floors. It is the tallest building in the country (121 m). In addition to apartments, it also contains restaurants, public premises, shops, a theater, etc.
2. Monument to Antonio Maceo — a general who was a famous fighter for the country’s independence at the end of the 19th century.
3. Sculpture of Calisto Garcia — This is a bronze figure cast in honor of the famous Cuban military leader who fought for the rights of the people.
4. Monument to those who died on the Maine — the monument is dedicated to the American military who died on the ship as a result of the explosion. This tragedy was the beginning of the war between Spain and the United States in 1898.
5. Hotel National — the legendary institution where such world celebrities as Charles de Gaulle, Walt Disney, Winston Churchill, Al Capone and Frank Sinatra stayed.

Features of the visit

The territory of the Malecon embankment is decorated with beautiful forged lanterns, flower beds and benches. In the evenings, you can watch the sunset here and enjoy the romantic atmosphere created by the multi-colored lights that illuminate the buildings. It should also be said that even in calm weather, splashes from the waves often fall on passers-by, so you need to be very careful here in a storm.

How to get there?

From the center of Havana, the Malecon can be reached on foot or by car along Ave de México Cristina, 10 de Octubre and Carlos III. The distance is about 3 km.