Iglesias de San Francisco de Paula
1 / 10

Church of San Francisco de Paula

4.6
·70 reviews·La Habana, Cuba

A resilient historic chapel in Old Havana, known for its beauty, free entry, and occasional concerts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Free entry, quick visit

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Iglesias de San Francisco de Paula

Church of San Francisco de Paula

Best Time

Anytime

Free entry, quick visit

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A resilient historic chapel in Old Havana, known for its beauty, free entry, and occasional concerts.

4.6
(70 reviews)

"A must stop for 5-10 mins before Plaza de Vieja. Quaint and beautiful old cathedral that is now a concert hall."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Located on a roundabout, it's ideal for capturing great photos of its facade. :camerawithflash:

📍 Near Plaza Vieja

A quick 5-10 minute stop before or after exploring Plaza Vieja. :world_map:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Resilient Architecture

Resilient Architecture

Main facade

Admire the enduring beauty of this historic chapel, a miracle of survival against demolition attempts.

Concert Hall Ambiance

Concert Hall Ambiance

Interior (when accessible)

Experience the acoustics of this beautiful old cathedral, often hosting Italian religious music concerts.

Marina Views

Marina Views

Exterior, facing the harbor

Enjoy a picturesque view of the Havana Marina from the church's vicinity.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Quick Visit, Big Impact

This charming church is a brief but beautiful stop. Plan for 5-10 minutes to admire its architecture and soak in the history before heading to nearby Plaza Vieja. It's a free, open-to-the-public gem.

A Survivor's Story

The Church of San Francisco de Paula is a testament to resilience, having survived numerous demolition attempts. Learning its story adds a profound layer to your visit, making it more than just a pretty building.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Free entry, quick visit
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Located on a roundabout, it's ideal for capturing great photos of its facade. :camerawithflash:

📍 Near Plaza Vieja

A quick 5-10 minute stop before or after exploring Plaza Vieja. :world_map:

🆓 Free Admission

Open to the public and free of charge, making it an accessible historical site. :moneywithwings:

🎶 Concert Venue

Check for schedules if you're interested in hearing Italian religious music concerts. :musical_note:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Located on a roundabout, it's ideal for capturing great photos of its facade. :camerawithflash:

📍 Near Plaza Vieja

A quick 5-10 minute stop before or after exploring Plaza Vieja. :world_map:

🆓 Free Admission

Open to the public and free of charge, making it an accessible historical site. :moneywithwings:

🎶 Concert Venue

Check for schedules if you're interested in hearing Italian religious music concerts. :musical_note:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(70 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Church of San Francisco de Paula to be a beautiful and historically significant small chapel. Its free admission and quick visit time make it a convenient stop, especially for its picturesque views and potential for concerts. Some note that interior access can be limited.

"A must stop for 5-10 mins before Plaza de Vieja. Quaint and beautiful old cathedral that is now a concert hall for Italian religious music. Amazing structure and view of Havana Marina."

Dave Magee

"My favorite church in Havana so far. This tiny chapel has survived so many attempts of demolition that is almost a miracle being able to see it nowadays. Read a bit about its story if you get a chance."

Yolanda Santa Cruz

"Beautiful small church. Not allowed inside though."

Andy Martinez

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Free admission
Quick and easy visit

What People Dislike

Interior access sometimes limited

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is centrally located in Old Havana, making it easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the historic district. It's situated on a roundabout, a short walk from Plaza Vieja. Taxis are also readily available to drop you off nearby.

Yes, it's very close to Plaza Vieja, a vibrant square with many restaurants and shops. It's also a short walk from other key sites in Old Havana, making it a convenient stop during your sightseeing.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Church of San Francisco de Paula is free of charge and open to the public. You can admire its exterior and, when accessible, its interior without any admission fee.

While the church is generally open to the public, specific hours can vary. It's best to check locally or visit during daylight hours when exploring Old Havana, as it's often accessible for a brief visit.

Visitors are sometimes allowed inside, but access can be restricted. Reviews suggest it's not always possible to enter, so while you can always admire its exterior, interior access might be limited.

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The church is situated on a roundabout, offering great vantage points for photography. Its unique location and historic architecture make it a picturesque subject.

Morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the church's facade. The surrounding area is also less crowded during these times, allowing for clearer shots.

🎫 🏛️ History & Significance

This small chapel is remarkable for its survival, having faced numerous demolition attempts throughout its history. Its continued existence is considered a minor miracle, making it a symbol of resilience in Havana.

While it remains a historic church, it also functions as a concert hall, often hosting performances of Italian religious music. This dual purpose adds a unique cultural dimension to the site.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Church of San Francisco de Paula is a quick and easy stop for families. Its free admission and short visit time make it perfect for little ones with shorter attention spans. The unique architecture and the story of its survival can be a simple, engaging point of interest for children. Plus, its location near Plaza Vieja means you can easily combine it with other family-friendly activities in the area.

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Church of San Francisco de Paula offers a charming subject. Its placement on a roundabout provides interesting angles, and the historic facade is visually appealing. The church is also a great spot for capturing the essence of Old Havana's architecture. Consider visiting during the golden hours for softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic opportunities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Testament to Resilience

The Church of San Francisco de Paula holds a special place in Havana's history due to its remarkable survival. Over the years, it has faced numerous threats of demolition, yet it stands today as a testament to its enduring significance and the efforts to preserve it. This history adds a layer of poignancy to its beauty, making it more than just an architectural marvel.

Visitors are often struck by the fact that such a small chapel has managed to withstand the test of time and various challenges. Reading up on its past before your visit can greatly enhance your appreciation for its presence in the bustling city. It's a reminder of the layers of history embedded within Havana's streets.

Its location on a roundabout also makes it a unique landmark, easily visible and a point of reference for those navigating Old Havana. The church's survival is a story of perseverance, mirroring the spirit of the city itself.

More Than Just a Church: A Concert Venue

Beyond its historical and architectural appeal, the Church of San Francisco de Paula serves a vibrant cultural role as a concert hall. It is particularly known for hosting performances of Italian religious music, offering visitors a unique auditory experience within its historic walls.

This dual function means that while you might visit for its visual beauty, you could also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in its acoustics. The intimate setting of the church is ideal for such performances, creating a special atmosphere that combines history with the arts. It's worth checking local listings for any scheduled concerts during your visit.

Experiencing a concert here provides a different perspective on the church, showcasing its continued relevance and adaptability as a community space. It transforms a static historical site into a dynamic venue for cultural expression.

You may also like

1 of 2