Dominating the landscape at Quinta Ave. & Calle 82 in Miramar, Havana, is the second largest church in Cuba, the Iglesia de Jesus de Miramar. I practically live across the street from this place of worship when I'm in Cuba and walk or drive by this church practically every day.
It opened it's doors in May 1953 after taking 5 years to build. When you first walk in the murals on the walls jump out at you, they were painted by the Spanish artist Cesareo Cosculluela y Barreras. The images, portraying Jesus' walk to his crucifixion, are very strong & take up huge chunks of wall using vivid colours. The church is home to the largest pipe organ in Cuba, it contains 5000 tubes. Unfortunately it's in dire need of a major tune-up due to the fact of it's disuse after the 1959 revolution. Having been shut down for so many years, you would think the church would be brand new. It does look relatively new at first glance but upon closer inspection you see spots that need a little restoration. I also noticed that some of windows should be replaced or at least fixed where you could see water damage spreading out from them. Otherwise, the church is in pretty good shape. Outside, behind the church, in the garden, is a representation of the Grotto of The Virgin of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience, I love the peacefulness of a church. It costs nothing to go in, there was lots of light and nobody seemed to mind me taking pictures. There always seems to be a few people there when the place is open but I've never seen it packed. It wasn't your typical dark and dingy church that I'm used to seeing in other parts of the city. Easy to find on 5th Avenue, you can't miss it. If you're staying in one of the several hotels in the area you may even be able to walk there like I did.
Location; 5 Ave. & Calle 82
Masses: Tues.-Fri. 9am Saturday-5pm Sunday-10am & 5pm
It opened it's doors in May 1953 after taking 5 years to build. When you first walk in the murals on the walls jump out at you, they were painted by the Spanish artist Cesareo Cosculluela y Barreras. The images, portraying Jesus' walk to his crucifixion, are very strong & take up huge chunks of wall using vivid colours. The church is home to the largest pipe organ in Cuba, it contains 5000 tubes. Unfortunately it's in dire need of a major tune-up due to the fact of it's disuse after the 1959 revolution. Having been shut down for so many years, you would think the church would be brand new. It does look relatively new at first glance but upon closer inspection you see spots that need a little restoration. I also noticed that some of windows should be replaced or at least fixed where you could see water damage spreading out from them. Otherwise, the church is in pretty good shape. Outside, behind the church, in the garden, is a representation of the Grotto of The Virgin of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience, I love the peacefulness of a church. It costs nothing to go in, there was lots of light and nobody seemed to mind me taking pictures. There always seems to be a few people there when the place is open but I've never seen it packed. It wasn't your typical dark and dingy church that I'm used to seeing in other parts of the city. Easy to find on 5th Avenue, you can't miss it. If you're staying in one of the several hotels in the area you may even be able to walk there like I did.
Location; 5 Ave. & Calle 82
Masses: Tues.-Fri. 9am Saturday-5pm Sunday-10am & 5pm
