Havana: Old Havana

Old Havana, designated as the 'Key of the New World and Bulwark of the West Indies' in 1634, stands today as a testament to both its historical grandeur and current decay. The city's checkered history, marked by periods of prosperity and adversity, is reflected in its crumbling infrastructure, particularly in residential areas that lack government funding for maintenance. Despite its deteriorating state, Havana retains traces of its former splendor, offering a stark contrast between the restored tourist boutiques and the dilapidated buildings where locals reside. The study highlights the city's ongoing struggle with indigence, evident in the frequent collapses of structures and prolonged queues for basic necessities, exacerbated by severe electricity shortages. This summary underscores the duality of Havana: its enduring allure amidst profound urban decay.

(Ed.). (2013). Havana: Old Havana. The Americas, 297–300. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315073828-76