When Fidel Castro's revolutionary forces moved into Havana January 1, 1959, many things immediately changed in Cuba. One thing of significance was the ambitious construction plans to build casinos and high-rise hotels in Havana were immediately halted. Had these projects been completed many old and historically significant buildings would have been razed. This destruction would have eliminated precious historical areas for good. Luckily now the Havana skyline remains virtually unchanged since 1959, as the government places an emphasis on restoring existing buildings and preserving historically significant structures.
Havana's wonderful buildings and history make it the most fascinating city in the Caribbean. Matt Cousins, an architecture student in London England has an interesting website of the amazing architecture of Havana. Two agencies have the responsibility for the city's historic preservation. The City Historian's Department of Architecture Office and The National Centre for Conservation, Restoration and Museum studies (CENCREM). The city historian Eusebio Leal Spengler heads the Habaguanex group. Many elegant hotels and buildings have been beautifully restored by the Habaguanex organization which partners with other countries for these restoration projects. One country involved and very supportive of these endeavours is Spain. Spain's history is of course forever linked to Cuba as it was Spanish settlers who founded the city 490 years ago.
Now the greatest threat to the architecture of Old Havana is not the demolition cranes of greedy developers unconcerned with culture and history. It is the punishing blows of Mother Nature herself who visits Cuba regularly with tropical storms and hurricanes. An army of skilled workers toil doing the never-ending task to restore and preserve the historic buildings. Because of their dedicated efforts the citizens of Cuba and visitors to the island can appreciate the beauty and history of this unique UNESCO World Heritage site.
