The University of Havana
This National Monument has witnessed the passing of several generations of Cubans and has become an indisputable symbol of Cuban identity. It is also known as "La Colina Universitaria" (University Hill) and owes its name to the elevation on which it is located. From its height everything seems smaller and we feel like giants when we see the city at our feet. This is a place of great beauty, which is closely linked to the history and culture of the country.
Knowing a little about its history
This is the first Cuban University and was founded in the year 1728 by the religious order of Preachers belonging to the Dominican friars. Initially it was located in the convent of this order, but due to the increase in the number of students and the expansion of its faculties, it was moved in 1902 to the Aróstegui Hill, currently called "University Hill". In this new location there was a group of military buildings that were used and adapted as university headquarters, and in the following years the different faculties were built and the existing buildings were modified.
One of the most distinctive features of this university is its impressive staircase that leads to the main entrance and the rectorate building. This grand staircase is one of the most representative symbols of the university.
The university staircase
This imposing staircase was not part of the original building, but was built in 1928. It has eighty-eight steps and several landings. It also has two stone stairs on either side of high walls adorned with lampposts. As we climb upwards the city seems to recede, and as we look down the view is astonishing. From there, you can overlook a large part of the avenue and observe the movement of its inhabitants. I am always impressed to climb to the top, as I feel I am in an immense and colossal place.
Great events in Cuba's history have taken place here. During the first half of the last century, this was the place where university student youth fought for their rights and rebelled against a regime that did not represent the poorest classes of society. The steps of this university witnessed student revolts, strikes and, in some cases, bloody events, making it a symbol of youth and the struggle for justice. Today it hosts numerous events and cultural events related to its students and youth. To ascend and to descend through it connects us with the historical past of our country. I confess that climbing its more than eighty steps is not easy, at least for me it was not. Every now and then I had to stop to take a breath, oh and to take pictures!
Crowning this imposing staircase is the figure of a beautiful woman. It is the sculpture of the Alma Mater Universitaria, another of the undisputed icons of this magnificent centre.
Alma Mater
As we climb the staircase step by step we approach this impressive bronze sculpture of a beautiful woman, who welcomes us with her two arms outstretched and in a calm and serene attitude, seated on a throne on a stone pedestal. Underneath her long robe, her voluptuous figure is discernible and we can't help but admire her great beauty.
Its author is the sculptor of Czechoslovakian origin Josef Mario Korbel, who created it in 1919. As a curious fact, the statue is inspired by two different women. Its creator used two different models for his work. A young 16-year-old society girl from the capital to represent the face and neck of the statue, and another more mature and voluptuous woman for the body, this second model has never been identified. The fusion between these two women resulted in this beautiful sculpture symbolising wisdom and knowledge. As a tradition at each graduation the students dedicate their achievements to her, taking a photo together with her.
Rectory building
Behind this sculpture, on the highest point, on a smaller staircase, is the building that houses the rectory of the institution, where the highlight of its architecture is its temple-like entrance with its large and elegant columns reminiscent of the Parthenon of Ancient Greece.
In its upper part, in its pediment, between classical lines and a beautiful design, the relief of the face of the Greek goddess of wisdom Pallas Athena stands out. On its roof rests the owl that represents wisdom and in Greek mythology is the bird that accompanies the goddess.
On either side of this building, and belonging to the University, are the buildings dedicated to the faculties of Philosophy. Two majestic structures with beautiful Ionic columns that give them an elegant and classical appearance.
With these pictures I conclude my writing about this great centre of higher learning. In this publication I have focused only on describing the exterior of the university since a single article would not be enough to talk about all that this magnificent institution contains.
The University of Havana is a symbol, an emblematic site that arouses my admiration and respect. Its architecture is majestic and its history is fascinating. I would have loved to study at this institution, to walk up and down its steps and to be photographed next to its emblematic Alma Mater, but I am content that this historic centre is an important part of the life of my city and my country, a place of excellence and commitment to the future.
I hope you enjoyed the publication, Best regards and see you next time!
Havana University
Alma Mater
Versión en Español
Casi 300 años de historia, cultura, tradición, y una imponente arquitectura es lo que define a este emblemático y distintivo lugar ubicado en una de las áreas más céntricas de la Capital Habanera:
La Universidad de La Habana
Este Monumento Nacional ha sido testigo del paso de varias generaciones de cubanos y se ha convertido en un símbolo indiscutible de la identidad cubana. También es conocida como "La Colina Universitaria” y debe este nombre a la elevación en la que está ubicada. Desde su altura todo parece más pequeño y nos sentimos un poco gigantes al ver la ciudad a nuestros pies. Este es un lugar de una gran belleza, el cual está estrechamente ligado a la historia y la cultura del país.
Conociendo un poco sobre su historia
Esta es la primera Universidad cubana y se fundó en el año 1728 por la orden religiosa de Predicadores perteneciente a los frailes dominicos. Inicialmente se encontraba en el convento de dicha orden, pero debido al aumento en la cantidad de estudiantes y la ampliación de sus facultades, fue trasladada en el año 1902 a la Colina de Aróstegui , llamada actualmente “Colina Universitaria”. En este nuevo emplazamiento se encontraban un conjunto de edificaciones militares que fueron utilizados y adecuados como sedes universitarias, y en los siguientes años se fueron construyendo sus diferentes facultades y modificando las edificaciones existentes.
Una de las características más distintivas de esta universidad es su impresionante escalinata la que nos conduce a la entrada principal y al edificio del rectorado. Esta gran escalinata es uno de los símbolos más representativos de la universidad.
La escalinata universitaria
Esta imponente escalinata no formaba parte de la edificación inicial, sino que fue construida en el año 1928, tiene ochenta y ocho escalones y varios descansos. Cuenta además con dos escaleras de piedra a cada uno de sus lados de altos muros adornados con farolas. A medida que vamos subiendo la ciudad parece alejarse, y al mirar hacia abajo la vista es asombrosa. Desde allí, se puede dominar una gran parte de la avenida y observar el movimiento de sus habitantes. Siempre me impresiona subir hasta su cima ya que me siento en un lugar inmenso y colosal.
Aquí han ocurrido grandes acontecimientos de la historia de Cuba. Durante la primera mitad del siglo pasado, este fue el lugar donde la juventud estudiantil universitaria luchó por sus derechos y se rebeló contra un régimen que no representaba a las clases más pobres de la sociedad. La escalinata de esta universidad fue testigo de revueltas estudiantiles, huelgas y, en algunos casos, hechos sangrientos, convirtiéndose en un símbolo de la juventud y de la lucha por la justicia.
En la actualidad se llevan a cabo numerosos eventos y actos culturales relacionados con sus estudiantes y la juventud. Ascender y descender por ella nos conecta con el pasado histórico de nuestro país. Confieso que subir sus más de ochenta escalones no es cosa sencilla al menos para mí no lo fue. A cada rato tenía que detenerme a respirar un poco, ¡ah y a tomar fotos!
Coronando esta imponente escalinata nos recibe la figura de una hermosa mujer. Es la escultura del Alma Mater Universitaria, otro de los iconos indiscutibles de este magnífico centro.
Alma Mater
A medida que vamos subiendo la escalinata escalón tras escalón nos acercamos a esta impresionante escultura en bronce de una bella mujer, que nos da la bienvenida con sus dos brazos extendidos y en actitud tranquila y serena, sentada sobre un trono que se encuentra sobre un pedestal de piedra. Por debajo de su larga túnica se adivina su voluptuosa figura y no podemos dejar de admirar su gran belleza.
Su autor es el escultor de origen Checoslovako Josef Mario Korbel, quien la creó en el año 1919. Como dato curioso, la estatua está inspirada en dos mujeres distintas. Su creador usó dos modelos diferentes para realizar su obra. Una joven de la sociedad capitalina de 16 años de edad para representar el rostro y el cuello de la estatua, y otra mujer más madura y voluptuosa para el cuerpo, esta segunda modelo nunca ha sido identificada. La fusión entre estas dos mujeres dio lugar a esta hermosa escultura que simboliza la sabiduría y el conocimiento. Como tradición en cada graduación los estudiantes a le dedican sus logros, tomándose una foto junto a ella.
Detrás esta escultura, en el sitio más elevado, sobre una escalinata de menor tamaño, está la edificación que alberga la rectoría de la institución, donde lo más destacado de su arquitectura es su entrada a modo de templo con sus grandes y elegantes columnas que recuerdan al Partenón de la Antigua Grecia.
Edificación de la Rectoría
En su parte superior, en su frontón, entre líneas clásicas y un hermoso diseño, sobresale el relieve de la cara de la diosa griega de la sabiduría Palas Atenea y sobre su tejado descansa el búho que representa la sabiduría y en la mitología griega es el ave que acompaña a la diosa.
A ambos lados de esta edificación, y pertenecientes a la Universidad están los edificios dedicados a las facultades de Filosofía. Dos majestuosas estructuras con hermosas columnas de estilo jónico que les confieren una apariencia elegante y clásica.
Con estas imágenes concluyo mi escrito sobre este gran centro de altos estudios. En esta publicación me he centrado solo en describir el exterior de la universidad ya que un solo artículo no alcanzaría para hablar de todo lo que contiene esta magnífica institución.
La Universidad de La Habana es un símbolo, un sitio emblemático que despierta mi admiración y respeto. Su arquitectura es majestuosa y su historia es fascinante. Me hubiera encantado estudiar en esta institución, ascender y descender por su escalinata y fotografiarme junto a su emblemática Alma Mater, pero me conformo con que este histórico centro sea una parte importante de la vida de mi ciudad y mi país, un lugar de excelencia y compromiso para el futuro.
Espero hayan disfrutado de la publicación, ¡Un gran Saludo y hasta la próxima!
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Thank you for your comment. The building has a lot of history. I like it a lot.
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Wow, this architectural landmark is truly impressive. Despite the years, its architecture remains intact. I can say that even impeccable. This university truly represents a great cultural value for the brothers of Cuba. Thank you very much for sharing it with us.
Thank you for your comment, I am glad you like my publication.
Really interesting to read these facts I didn't know about the university. I would love to go up those stairs one day 😊
Well, take advantage of it and on one of your visits to Havana, you can go there.
Cheers!
I always marvel at this kind of structure, it is very classic and never gets old. Greetings from the Philippines!
It's true, classic never goes out of fashion and buildings of this type are always very elegant. I like them a lot too.
Thanks for your comment.
You're welcome (^_^)
Stunning architecture to enjoy, additions have added a touch of elegance the original structure deserved. So many of the traditional building have had discourse run riot on the steps to make change, evidently another to add to the long list.
@tipu curate 2
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Thank you very much for your comment.
Undoubtedly the original structure is very different from what it is today.
Over the years it has been embellished and made more elegant and sober.
I'm glad you liked it.
Always wonderful to witness the old architecture being maintained over the years.
Have a wonderful day !LUV
@jordy0827, @joanstewart(2/10) sent LUV. | connect | community | HiveWiki | NFT | <>< daily
! help(no space) to get help on Hive. InfoWow The Hill!! So many beautiful and good memories come to mind, it is a spectacular construction and for me it has a special distinction. Of course I have that photo, which we all like, next to the Alma Mater on my graduation day 🎓❤️
I'm sure you have fond memories of university. Show me the photo when we meet, it's a nice memory.
Cheers!
It is great to be able to see through photography a structure of such high value and culture of Cuba; what I like about its architecture are all the details that the front of the facade of the University has, the original writings that still remain to remember its history and the great columns that show its great value as a unique work of great design.
I am glad that you enjoyed the pictures and through the photos you were able to get to know this beautiful place.
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Excellent post @jordy0827 , the photos are spectacular.
Thank you very much! The photos are good because the site is so beautiful.
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My God! Just seeing these photos makes you feel inspired, it looks like a place stopped in time but perfectly preserves the essence of what those who built it wanted to capture. It is true that the columns remind us of the Greek Parthenon, they are impeccable.
Another element that draws much attention is the great staircase, certainly makes it seem that the buildings are on a hill, it is a wonder.
I loved this post, thanks for sharing!
I am very glad you liked it. Thank you for your comment!
Cheers
I am very glad you liked it. Thank you for your comment!
Cheers
Hiya, @lizanomadsoul here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Daily Travel Digest #1935.
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Thank you very much @pinmapple and @lizanomadsoul, it's a pleasure to have my Post selected as an honourable mention in today's Daily Travel Digest 🙏
Greetings @jordy0827, the university has a beautiful design, highlight its columns and triangular shape at the top, I imagine that a large number of professionals in the country have been able to carry out their studies in this iconic house of studies that connects you with the past of the nation and its incredible history.
Interesting that despite the years it is preserved in very good condition, thanks for sharing.
Happy Monday!
Thank you for your comment. As you say, it is a great place where many cultural and historical personalities of the country have studied. I'm glad you liked it.
Before arriving at the University, I idyllically thought about the moment of climbing those stairs, standing near the Alma Mater... to say, I made it!!!, and in that way, at that moment, absorbing all the magic of Havana in one breath.
I wanted to achieve that dream of being a journalist.... I got my career the way I wanted it. I did it. But when I arrived in Havana, where I was most filled with magic and saltpeter was on the Avenida de los Presidentes (hahaha)... my college was a little far from that staircase.
😅
Felicidades... este post sonó con mucho placer ,)
jaja, but you had to climb high too, because the avenue of the presidents is on an elevation jaja, but I bet you have your graduation photo next to the Alma Mater? and I'm sure you climbed the stairs a lot of times.
Congratulations @jordy0827! We are delighted to inform you that your outstanding publication was specially selected to be part of our Curated Content Catalog and was awarded GOLD MARK in Architecture Anthology™ 36. More power!
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Thank you very much, I am very grateful that my publication has been awarded the gold mark!
It is an enormous honor to serve you dear @jordy0827. Continue shining with your incredible A+D stories! 😀