Havana's Parks

Mella Park

MELLA PARK: This park serves as a memorial to Julio Antonio Mella, a dissident born in Havana in 1903 who also became the founder of Cuba’s Communist Party. He was assassinated in Mexico in 1929 under the orders of General Gerardo Machado. His ashes are entombed in this park, which is located at Calle San Lazaro, opposite the university’s main steps.

Antonio Maceo Park

ANTONIO MACEO PARK: Here you will see a statue of Major General Antonio Maceo, the Bronze Titan, riding his horse. The marble statue was designed by Italian artist Domenico Boni and was erected in 1916. Maceo was a hero in Cuba’s fight for independence. He died in San Pedro, Bauta, on December 7, 1896, along with his aide Captain Francisco Gómez Toro. There is another monument to Maceo at the site of his death. The park is on the malecón at Calle San Lazaro. Next to it is the San Lazaro Fortified Tower (also called La Chorrera), built in the 16th century so Cubans could detect danger coming up the river.

American Fraternity Park

AMERICAN FRATERNITY PARK: This tiny park has a multi-cultural silk-cotton tree that was planted in 1928 in soil brought from 21 countries with delegates for the Sixth Pan American Conference. There are statues of Simón Bolívar, San Martin (liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru), Benito Juarez (liberator of Mexico) and Lincoln (liberator of the slaves) on the site. Located on the Prado, Calle Reina and Amistad, behind the Capitolio. CENTRAL PARK: This is where the old and new parts of Havana are divided. There is another statue of José Martí here, designed by Cuban Vilalta Saavedra. It is the oldest statue of Martí in the city. Cantral Park is on the malecón and Calles M, N, 9 and 11.

Maximo Gómez Park

MAXIMO GÓMEZ PARK: Located on the malecón and Ave de las Misiones in Old Havana, this park has a statue of Gómez designed by Italian artist Aldo Gamba (1836-1905). It was inaugurated in 1935 on Gómez’s birthday, November 18th. Gómez was born in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and at the request of José Martí became the Supreme Commander of the Cuban Liberation Army. Gómez teamed up with Maceo and fought for freedom.

Calixto Garcia Park 

CALIXTO GARCIA PARK: Named after a strategist who worked during the struggles for independence between 1868 and 1898, this park is on the malecón at Calle G, in Vedado. The statue of Garcia on a horse stands 30 feet high and was designed by Americans Felix W de Weldon (sculptor) and Albert Peets (architect) in 1959. In the center of the square is a fivepointed star made of black granite with a pedestal holding the country’s coat of arms.

John Lennon Park 

JOHN LENNON PARK: This became a gathering place for rock and Beatles fans, so it was dedicated to one of the Beatles, John Lennon. The statue of Lennon, sitting on a park bench with his arm over the backrest, was designed by Cuban artist, José Villa. The park, located along Calles 17, 15, 6 and 8 in Vedado, was opened in December of 2000.

Lenin Park 

LENIN PARK: Calle 100 and Ave Cortina de la Presa Arroyo Naranjo, 7/744-2722. This nice 1,700-acre park has a plethora of things to do, like swimming, visiting the art gallery, drinking rum or eating at the restaurant. The outdoor stage often has live entertainment. At the entrance is a huge arch with a largerthan- life carving of Lenin.