Built in 1953 to commemorate Cuba's national hero, instrumental in the 19th century struggle to free Cuba from Spanish control.
The Pope was due to visit Cuba the following week and officiate at a mass in this square, hence the railings and structures in front of the Jose Marti statue. I thought that it was diplomatic for the Cuban government to decorate one of their buildings with an image of Jesus Christ with a halo. Our guide soon corrected me - it was of one of the charismatic revolutionary leaders, Camilo Cienfuegos!
The square is enormous and therefore ideally suited for mass political rallies.
