Havana Capitol

Source: http://www.nnc.cubaweb.cu/historia/historia26.htm By Pedro Quiroga. Few people know that on the ground now occupied by the Havana Capitol, there was a swamp, dredged and converted-to-mid-century in the first botanic garden which was the capital. Nor is much known that the ultimate implementation of that empire was subject to delayed time due to its high cost, on the one hand, and political indecision on the other. It was finally in March 1926, when once started the construction of the Capitol of Havana despite that, years earlier, had cast their foundations. The majestic building was inaugurated on Thursday 20 May in the afternoon, with the presence of President of the Republic and the diplomatic corps on the island The team participated in the execution of definitive plans of the Capitol, was formed by Cuban engineers and architects under the artistic and technical direction of architect, Eugenio Raynieri Piedra. It took an area of 388 700 square meters for the home builder Purdy Henderson-the same that built the Centro Gallego, Palacio Asturiano and the Bank of Obispo and Aguiar, all in La Habana Vieja, get up, in just 3 years and 2 months, the impressive building. The total cost came to 17 million pesos, equivalent to the same amount of dollars. 25 000 cubic meters of stone were used as chaplaincy at the Capitol in Havana. A passer can call attention to the dome of the Capitol of Havana, fifth in the world of the Renaissance style, its proportions and silhouettes, reminiscent of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The dome is the second highest point of the city, preceded by Marti Memorial in Revolution Square. Another thing that attracts the central portico, supported by 17 Ionic columns made of granite. It also highlights the three great bronze doors giving access to the main floor and the bas-reliefs or metopes Italian sculptor Angelo Zanelli. More than 7 decades has the Capitol of Havana. The monumental building, which has not a similar one in other parts of the world is considered the third largest of its monolithic construction, is the only of its kind in this century. From Capitol of Havana -which is not National- part kilometer 0 of all highways. It was designed so that both legislative chambers of the Republic were functioning there until late fifties. To raise this monumental piece of architecture were used 25 000 cubic meters of stone, chaplaincy, and plaster decoration was carried out by 400 workers. The statue of the Republic of Cuba, Havana-inspired model Lily Valty, emerged from the hands of the Italian sculptor Angelo Zanelli, who also used to sculpt the central porch metopes. The majestic bronze sculpture rolled 22 carat gold, is about 17 meters, including onyx marble base ancient Egyptian. Only exceed in height by Golden Buddha in Japan, and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Ranks third in the world of higher indoors was installed in 1929 at the Salón de los Pasos Perdidos. The growing demand and international tourism, the Capitol of Havana definitely became a convention center that provides services and facilities for events, fairs and exhibitions. Its geographical position, with several hotels in the center of the capital, it  may receive art exhibitions in small and large format, protocol activities and receptions. There are many Baire halls also equipped with modern equipment and simultaneous translation. Visit Capitol of Havana is a unique opportunity in a place that does not see the ravages of time.