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What to Expect
Sounds a bit macabre, but a visit to the Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón in Havana is not to be missed. The history and architecture of this cemetery are remarkable. Founded in 1876 and named after Christopher Columbus. Approximately 150 hectares in size, and the focal point is a chapel modeled after Florence Cathedral. The Galician architect, Calixto Arellano de Loira y Cardoso, laid out the cemetery in a grid of main and side streets. And who was its first inhabitant? Right, the builder and architect himself.
A famous grave of the cemetery is Señora Amelia Goyri (La Milagrosa = the Miracle Worker); she died in 1901 while giving birth to her dead child. According to legend, she was buried with her unborn child at her feet, but when the coffin was opened in 1914, both were found without any signs of decomposition, and the child was no longer at her feet but in her left arm. The widower visited the grave daily until his death, announcing his presence by tapping the brass ring on the tombstone, placing fresh flowers on the grave, and always leaving it walking backward. This ritual is continued by thousands of pilgrims, who come to the tomb of Milagrosa and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes.
There is also a tomb where you can find flowers and jars of rum, half-smoked cigars, or sacrificed chickens. The tomb of Leocadia y el Hermano José, she was a famous medium thanks to her premonitions and divination. She was known for her great acts of charity among the poor at the beginning of the 20th century. Hermano, was the famous medium who communicated with the dead.
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Rating
You should definitely visit the Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón. In addition to the entrance fee, you can also buy a map of the graves. So you know where which artist, athlete, or politician rests. Go early in the day because there is little shade there.
Weather Independent
Spontaneous Booking
For all Fitness Levels
Accessibility
Duration & Cost
Organized Tour
Self-Organized
Duration:
You can stay there as long as you want within the opening hours. Plan around 2 hours if you want to see everything at your leisure. The opening hours are daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Cost:
Admission is around 6 US-Dollar, and a trail map costs around 2 USD.
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How to Get There
Corner of Calzada de Zapata and Calle 12 in El Vedado district. Can walk there or take a cab. Yes, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus stops here, but think well whether you do not miss the approximately 2 hours of cemetery sightseeing later on the bus ride.
What to Pack
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Sun Hat / Cap
- Camera
- Mosquito repellent
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