Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Colón Cemetery, Havana, Havana Province, Cuba
Date: 17/08/2024
Introduction
Colón Cemetery, or Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón, stands as one of Havana’s most significant historical sites. Established in 1871, this sprawling necropolis not only serves as a final resting place for many notable figures but also offers visitors a captivating insight into Cuba’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Designed by the Spanish architect Calixto de Loira y Cardoso, Colón Cemetery was created to address the overcrowding issues of the earlier Espada Cemetery, which had been the primary burial ground since 1806 (Havana Guide). Covering an area of 57 hectares, it is renowned for its elaborate mausoleums, chapels, and family vaults, each a testament to the artistic and architectural prowess of the time (Atlas Obscura). The cemetery’s layout, with its central avenues and smaller side streets, reflects the social stratification of Cuban society during its construction, offering a unique glimpse into the historical and social dynamics of the period. Visitors to Colón Cemetery can explore a variety of architectural styles, from Romanesque-Byzantine to Art Deco, and witness monuments dedicated to various cultural and historical figures, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Havana (Espíritu Travel).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Colón Cemetery
- Architectural Significance
- Cultural and Religious Significance
- Notable Burials and Monuments
- Visiting Information
- Unique Monuments and Graves
- Practical Information
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- References
History of Colón Cemetery
Origins and Establishment
The Colón Cemetery was established due to the growing population and the hygienic issues associated with the medieval practice of burying people inside churches. The initial cemetery, known as Espada Cemetery, was inaugurated on February 2, 1806, but by 1850, it had reached its capacity (Espíritu Travel). This led to the conception of a new, larger cemetery, which would eventually become the Colón Cemetery.
The creation of Colón Cemetery was authorized under a Royal Decree on July 18, 1866, and construction began on October 30, 1871. The design was based on a project by Spanish architect Calixto Aureliano de Loire y Cardoso, who unfortunately passed away two years after the work began and was interred in the first funeral monument he had directed (Havana Times). The cemetery was officially completed on July 2, 1886, after approximately 15 years of construction (Havana Times).
Architectural Significance
Colón Cemetery is renowned for its architectural and sculptural works, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark. Covering an area of 57 hectares (approximately 125 acres), it is considered the largest and most important cemetery in Cuba (Havana Times). It features a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque-Byzantine, Gothic, Greek, Medieval, Art Deco, and Modernism, which contribute to its status as an open-air museum (Cuba Group Tour).
One of the most notable architectural features is the Gate of Peace, consisting of three giant Romanesque-Byzantine arches that serve as the entrance to the cemetery. The central chapel, inaugurated on July 2, 1886, is another significant structure, known for its octagonal shape and refined funerary art (Havana Insider).
Cultural and Religious Significance
The cemetery is not just a resting place for the deceased but also a site of cultural and religious importance. Catholicism, brought to Cuba by Spanish conquerors, played a significant role in the cemetery’s establishment. Despite the suppression of religion during the Communist regime, the cemetery has remained a place where Cubans can express their faith freely. This is evident in the numerous religious monuments and ceremonies that take place within its grounds (Thirdeyemom).
Notable Burials and Monuments
Firefighters’ Monument
One of the most striking monuments is the 75-foot-tall memorial dedicated to the firefighters who lost their lives in the great fire of May 17, 1890 (The Cuban History). This monument is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals and is a significant cultural landmark within the cemetery.
Monuments to Baseball Players
Given the popularity of baseball in Cuba, the cemetery features two monuments dedicated to baseball players from the Cuban League. The first was erected in 1942, and the second in 1951, honoring members of the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame (Atlas Obscura).
Mausoleums and Family Vaults
The cemetery is home to numerous elaborately sculpted mausoleums and family vaults. These structures are often adorned with intricate carvings and statues, showcasing the wealth and status of the families interred there. Notable examples include the mausolea for various trade and professional organizations, such as the Workers Society of La Tropical Brewery (Atlas Obscura).
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Colón Cemetery is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance for a small fee. Guided tours are also available, providing deeper insights into the cemetery’s history and notable burials. For a more serene experience, entering through the rear gate on the Nuevo Vedado side can help avoid crowds and lines (Traveldir).
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat.
- Accessibility: The cemetery is mostly accessible, but some areas may have uneven terrain.
- Photography: Photography is allowed, but be respectful of ongoing funerals and visitors.
Unique Monuments and Graves
Chess Champion and Domino Player
The cemetery also features unique monuments dedicated to a chess champion, with a tomb shaped like a white king piece, and a dedicated domino player, with a tomb shaped like a double-three domino. These monuments reflect the cultural significance of these games in Cuban society (Atlas Obscura).
Dictator Burial Site
One of the more controversial graves is that of Fulgencio Batista, the President of Cuba from 1940 to 1959, who later became a dictator. Batista’s rule was marked by significant political repression and corruption, making his burial site a point of interest and contention (Double-Barrelled Travel).
Practical Information
Grave Maintenance and Costs
Maintaining a grave in Colón Cemetery can be costly for many Cuban families. The annual fee to keep a grave is around 30 pesos (US$30). If the fee is not paid, the remains are exhumed after eight years and stored in a small box within a nearby mausoleum. If the family still cannot pay, the bones are eventually placed in a mass grave (Double-Barrelled Travel).
Overcrowding and Exhumation Practices
Due to overcrowding, bodies are often exhumed after three years to make room for new interments. The remains are then stored in boxes within the cemetery premises. This practice has led to the accumulation of bone piles, which were once a morbid tourist attraction among American soldiers during the Spanish-American War of 1898 (Amusing Planet).
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for Colón Cemetery?
The cemetery is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily.
How much does it cost to enter Colón Cemetery?
The entry fee is approximately US$5 per person, with guided tours costing around US$20.
Conclusion
Colón Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it is a historical, cultural, and architectural treasure that offers a profound insight into Cuba’s past. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful place to reflect, a visit to Colón Cemetery is a must when in Havana.
References
- Havana Guide, ‘A Guide to Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón’, 2024 (Havana Guide)
- Atlas Obscura, ‘Colón Cemetery’, 2023 (Atlas Obscura)
- Espíritu Travel, ‘Visit Colón Cemetery in Havana’, 2023 (Espíritu Travel)
- Thirdeyemom, ‘Colón Cemetery: Havana’s Work of Art’, 2014 (Thirdeyemom)
- Havana Times, ‘Havana’s Cristóbal Colón Cemetery’, 2024 (Havana Times)
- Havana Times, ‘Havana’s Legendary Colón Cemetery’, 2024 (Havana Times)
- Cuba Group Tour, ‘Havana’s Colón Cemetery’, 2023 (Cuba Group Tour)
- Havana Insider, ‘Cementerio de Colón’, 2023 (Havana Insider)
- The Cuban History, ‘Colón Cemetery Havana’, 2012 (The Cuban History)
- Traveldir, ‘Colón Cemetery’, 2023 (Traveldir)
- Double-Barrelled Travel, ‘Colón Cemetery, Havana, Cuba’, 2023 (Double-Barrelled Travel)
- Amusing Planet, ‘The Boneyard of Colón Cemetery’, 2018 (Amusing Planet)
