Iglesia de San Francisco de Paula

The small Baroque church of San Francisco de Paula stands on the harbour waterfront at the southeastern edge of Habana Vieja, close to the border with San Miguel del Padrón. Built in the mid-18th century, it is one of the older surviving religious structures in the city. The church fell into disuse after the revolution and was subsequently repurposed as a concert venue, hosting chamber music performances in its roofless nave.

The setting is atmospheric: the exposed sky above the surviving stone walls gives the space an unusual character. Concerts typically feature Cuban classical and baroque music performed by the Ars Longa ensemble. Programmes and tickets are available at the door. For visitors approaching from the San Miguel side along the Malecón extension, the church marks a useful stopping point before continuing into the historic centre.

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Other places in La Habana Vieja (Old Havana)