the capitolio

Our first time visiting the Capitolio was 2009 and the building was closed because it was under construction but we were able to climb up the front stairs. We came back in 2015 and the building is still under construction. This time we couldn't even go near the building. It is all boarded up at the foot of the building with scaffoulds everywhere. I've seen wonderful pictures of the inside of this building. It's too bad that it is closed.

no access at present due to repairs and refurbishment. It is apparent that this will be well worth a visit when the work is complete

A very impressive landmark under restoration, classic roman-greek architecture(?), huge pillars, sweeping steps, once beautiful stone and marble being restored.

We were able to see it from the outside but entry has been prohitbed for some time. We were told that in a year or two it may reopen again and definitely would be worth a visit. All the same, it is an astounding presence in old havana and with the old cars close by, it makes it a great site for some excellent photos.

I have been to Habana 4 times in the last 5 years and the Capitolio has always been closed for renovations. While it looks like some progress is being made-- scaffolding is now around the dome-- I think I'll wait 5 years before trying to see it. Maybe the renovations will be done then!

Havana is a striking visual experience for a tourist. In Havana there are multiple examples of architecture spanning hundreds of years of European influences. The Capital Building hammers home the contrasts of the Cuban nation as it stands towering over a people who exist only barely well enough to live. It is a stark reminder of a time when those that ruled were excited and their pride let them thrust their capital into competition with the rest of the developing world. The costs then to build in this fashion and now to renovate and maintain speak volumes about the investments of art and architecture versus the demands of social welfare. The balance of Cuban social structure is as fragile as this Capitol Building in all it's former glory and a future as uncertain for both.

This building will look familiar to you right away, is very similar to the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, USA.It is one of the most impressive buildings in Cuba, it was built between 1929 and 1932, was served as the Cuban congress until 1959, except for the huge size of this building, you will notice the stairs with many sculptures, and the giant statue of the republic.

Although currently being refurbished and renovated the Capital Building is reminiscent of the Capital Building in Washington, DC. It stands resplendent amongst the other buildings in the surrounding area and has some amazingly detailed facades and frescoes. I can only hope that it is open for viewing the next time I visit Cuba.

Impressive from the outside, close for renovations so not available to go inside . A famous landmark, next to it nice park honoring American leaders.

Impressing building in Havana city center. It is said to be slightly larger than the Capitolium in Washington DC. Unfortunately it was closed for renovation so we could not get inside.

Interesting story that Havana's capitol building had to be styled like Washington, DC's, but just a bit taller, which it is by 12 feet, we were told. El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building in Havana, was Cuba's capital until after the Cuban Revolution in 1959; it is now the Cuban Academy of Sciences.

Truly a major architectural piece that is in the process of being restored hence we could not get in, but if you can you should. Truly glorious similar to house of congress in the USA.

It's been closed for renovations on both our visits (Dec 2013 and Dec 2014).This is a good thing.It means that the building is being cared for and preserved (it seemed a bit out of shape).We still enjoyed it from the outside, and look forward to visiting it again in the future (when it's hopefully finished it's repairs).

When we visited the building was closed for renovation, a lot of scaffolding on the front of it as we'll so hard to get a good look and take a wander around the groundsStill this is a fine example of a building

Unfortunately, the most monumental building in Havana is closed for restoration. It is taking a while and I keep waiting...