El Capitolio Nacional stands on the Paseo de Martí in La Habana Vieja, Havana, Cuba. Known also as the National Capitol Building of Cuba, it was once the seat of government and today houses the Cuban Academy of Sciences.
The building
The Capitolio is modeled after the US Capitol and is recognised by its distinctive dome, which rises above the surrounding streets of the old city. Its classical form makes it one of the most recognisable monuments in Havana, and it is easy to spot from many points along the Paseo de Martí.
What a visit offers
- Architecture: a strong example of a building shaped on a well-known government model, with its dome as the central feature.
- Setting: the monument sits within La Habana Vieja, so a visit pairs naturally with walking through the historic streets and squares nearby.
- Context: because the building once housed the country's government and now serves the Academy of Sciences, it gives a sense of how Cuba's public life has changed over time.
Planning your trip
El Capitolio is best seen as part of a walk through the old city rather than a stop on its own. To check whether the building can be entered and when, you can call +53 7 861 5519 before you go.
