Plaza de San Francisco

During the 16th century, cobbled Plaza de San Francisco was the waterfront of the early colonial city.      Emigrants disembarked, slaves were unloaded, galleons were replenished and treasure fleets loaded for the passage to Spain.

At the north side of the Square is the five-storey neoclassical building Lonja del Camercio (Goods Exchange) which was originally built as a centre for commodities trading.

Lining up to go into the bank in Plaza de San Francisco

Dominating the plaza on the south side is the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asis.  Building started in 1719 and was completed in 1730 in baroque style with a 40-metre bell tower.  Following the recent restoration the altars were removed and replaced by a huge crucifix suspended above a grand piano - the cathedral now serves as a concert hall.

The nave opens to the cloisters of a convent.

You can climb the campanile for magnificent views:

A life-sized bronze statue of an erstwhile and once-renowned tramp known as El Caballero de Paris (Gentleman of Paris) can be found outside the church.  Many Cubans believe that touching his beard will bring good luck.