Explore Plaza de la Revolución: Cuba’s Iconic Political Landmark

Hola amigos! As your guide today, I’m excited to take you into the very heart of modern Cuba’s political and cultural identity — Plaza de la Revolución.

Located in the Vedado district of Havana, this massive public square isn’t just an architectural landmark — it’s where Cuba remembers its past, celebrates its heroes, and projects its national pride.
 

From the towering José Martí Memorial to the unmistakable steel mural of Che Guevara, Plaza de la Revolución is a place where history and symbolism merge. Whether you're fascinated by politics, revolutionary movements, or just Cuban heritage, this plaza is a must-visit during your time in Havana.

📌 Fast Facts

Location: Vedado, Havana, Cuba

Size: Over 72,000 square meters

Original name: Plaza Cívica

Renamed: 1959 after the Cuban Revolution

Main attractions: José Martí Memorial, Che Guevara mural, Camilo Cienfuegos mural

Significance: Site of national speeches, events, and ceremonies

🕰️ A Brief History of Plaza de la Revolución

Origins as Plaza Cívica

Construction began in the 1940s, when Cuba envisioned a civic center to honor national figures. The focal point was always meant to be a towering monument to José Martí, the nation’s greatest patriot and poet.

Renamed After the Revolution

In 1959, when Fidel Castro and his guerrilla movement overthrew the Batista regime, the square was reborn as Plaza de la Revolución — Revolution Square. It became the symbolic epicenter of the new Cuba, where Castro would deliver marathon speeches to crowds of over a million people.

Today’s Role

Now, Plaza de la Revolución is used for:

National parades

May Day (Labor Day) rallies

State funerals

Political gatherings

Daily visits by tourists seeking to understand Cuba’s modern identity

🗿 Top Attractions in Plaza de la Revolución

Let’s walk through the monumental space and stop at the highlights that make this plaza a symbol of Cuban resilience and pride.

1. 🏛️ José Martí Memorial

Height: 109 meters (358 feet)
Statue: 18-meter (59-foot) seated marble figure of José Martí
Observation Deck: Panoramic views of Havana

This towering gray obelisk is Cuba’s highest structure. Inside, a small museum tells the story of José Martí, the 19th-century poet, writer, and national hero who laid the ideological foundation for Cuban independence.

Don't miss:

An elevator ride to the top of the tower (on clear days, you can see all the way to the Malecón)

Quotes and writings by Martí

Exhibits on Cuban history and independence movements

🎟️ Entrance Fee: ~2–3 USD (more for observation deck access)

2. 🎨 Che Guevara Mural on the Ministry of the Interior

Across the square, the Ministry of the Interior building features the most photographed piece of art in Havana: the steel outline of Che Guevara, modeled after the famous photo by Alberto Korda.

📝 Inscription below the image:
“Hasta la victoria siempre” — “Until victory, always”

It’s a tribute to Che’s lasting influence on Cuban ideology and global revolutionary thought. The mural was installed in 1993 and has become an enduring symbol of rebellion and justice.

3. 🎖️ Camilo Cienfuegos Mural on the Ministry of Communications

Not far from Che’s mural is a similar steel artwork of Camilo Cienfuegos, one of Fidel Castro’s closest revolutionary allies. Though not as internationally famous as Che, Camilo is beloved in Cuba for his charm, leadership, and mysterious disappearance.

📝 His quote reads:
“Vas bien, Fidel” — “You’re doing fine, Fidel”

This mural was added in 2009 to balance the symbolism and celebrate another face of the Cuban revolution.

4. 🏛️ Surrounding Government Buildings

Plaza de la Revolución is ringed by monumental, functionalist buildings from the 1950s and ’60s. These include:

The Palace of the Revolution – Where Cuba's Council of Ministers and President work

Ministries of Communications, Defense, and the Interior

Tall radio and TV transmission towers

Though stark in architecture, they symbolize Cuba’s centralization and enduring revolutionary ethos.

📸 What to See and Do at Plaza de la Revolución

🏙️ Climb the José Martí Tower

Go to the top for an unbeatable 360-degree view of Havana. You’ll see:

The Malecón stretching along the coast

Vedado’s leafy streets and rooftops

The Capitol building in the distance

The shimmering Caribbean Sea

📷 Take Iconic Photos

Bring your camera! This is where Cuban symbolism is larger than life:

Che Guevara mural with tourists in foreground

Towering Martí statue in morning or golden-hour light

Locals relaxing in the vast square

Political graffiti and Cuban flags nearby

📚 Learn About Cuba's Heroes

Inside the José Martí Memorial, you’ll find:

Photographs and timelines of Martí’s life

His literary contributions and vision of independence

Touching poems and philosophical quotes

✍️ Must-read quote:

“To be cultured is to be free.” — José Martí

🕯️ Witness National Events

If your visit coincides with a national holiday or political anniversary, expect crowds, speeches, and powerful music. Popular dates include:

January 1 – Triumph of the Revolution

May 1 – International Workers' Day

October 8 – Che Guevara Memorial Day

December 2 – Cuban Armed Forces Day

🗺️ How to Get There

Plaza de la Revolución is located in Vedado, about 4–5 km from Old Havana.

🚖 By Taxi

Classic car taxi from Old Havana: ~$5–10 USD

Ask for “Plaza de la Revolución” – all drivers know it

🚌 By Tour Bus

Hop-on hop-off Havana Bus Tour stops directly at the plaza

🚶 Walking

Not recommended from Old Havana (too far in the heat), but walkable from Vedado neighborhoods

🕐 Opening Hours & Tickets

Plaza: Open 24/7, free to walk around

José Martí Memorial & Museum:

Open 9 AM – 4 PM (closed Sundays/Mondays)

~2–5 USD entry depending on museum or tower access

🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby

You won't find restaurants in the square itself, but nearby Vedado has many great options:

Atelier – High-end Cuban fusion in a rooftop garden

El Biky – Modern restaurant with local and international dishes

Café Presidente – Stylish café perfect for a light meal after sightseeing

La Cocina de Lilliam – Hidden gem with home-style Cuban food

🛏️ Where to Stay Near Plaza de la Revolución

If you want to stay near this landmark:

Luxury

Hotel Nacional de Cuba – Iconic, classic, and just minutes away

Melia Cohiba – Seafront luxury with excellent service

Mid-Range / Boutique

NH Collection Victoria La Habana

Casa Colonial La Terraza – Beautiful casa particular with warm hosts

🔑 SEO Keywords Strategy

Plaza de la Revolución Cuba travel guide

Che Guevara mural Havana

José Martí Memorial Havana

Things to do at Revolution Square Cuba

Havana political landmarks

Famous murals in Havana

Visiting Plaza de la Revolución

Top Havana attractions 2025

Cuba historical sites tourism

Where to see Che Guevara in Havana

🧭 Travel Tips for Visiting Plaza de la Revolución

🕶️ Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat

📸 Use a wide-angle lens for better shots of large murals

🎒 Bring water, sunblock, and a hat

🤝 Engage locals — many are happy to share stories or take your photo

📜 Take time to read the memorial plaques and displays — they give powerful context

🌟 Final Thoughts: A Place of Pride and Power

Plaza de la Revolución isn’t just a stop on your Havana itinerary — it’s a powerful window into the Cuban soul. Whether you’re fascinated by the revolution, drawn by the art, or inspired by the poetry of Martí, this plaza stands tall in both history and emotion.

Here, past and present meet. The faces of Che and Camilo look on. Martí sits in quiet dignity. The wind carries chants, footsteps, and whispers from a thousand speeches. And you — the traveler — get to witness the heartbeat of Havana for yourself.