Old Havana and its Fortification System

Spain founded Havana in 1519, and by the 17th century it ranked among the Caribbean's leading shipbuilding centres, its harbour guarded by a chain of fortresses. Though the capital has swollen to a metropolis of two million, its old core keeps a rare unity — Baroque and neoclassical landmarks amid streets of arcaded houses with balconies, wrought-iron gates and shady inner courtyards. UNESCO inscribed Old Havana and its fortifications in 1982.