CASA DE LOS CONDES DE JARUCO

The Casa de Los Condes de Jaruco, now the headquarters of the Fund for Cultural Assets of Cuba, is one of the oldest buildings in Havana, built between 1733 and 1737 by a wealthy parvenu whose son would receive the title of Count of Jaruco. The palace remained the property of this Creole aristocratic family until the end of the century. This house is also famous as the home of a descendant of the Count, María Mercedes de Santa Cruz, Countess of Merlin, a great lady who married a French nobleman. She was a renowned writer and poetess who was progressive and in favor of the abolition of slavery. The palace has all the typical elements of the urban habitat of that time: a portico with arcades, a large vestibule, a rectangular courtyard, a beautiful reception room and small rooms with carved hardwood ceilings, an entresol (or raised first floor) and outbuildings on the first floor. After having been used as a garment factory, the palace was restored in 1979 and became the headquarters of the Fondo de Bienes Culturales (Fund for Cultural Assets of Cuba). Exhibitions and sales (sometimes by auction) of artistic values and handicrafts are held here, as well as occasional musical evenings. A short visit is recommended when you are in the Plaza Vieja, to immerse yourself in Cuban history and to take in the sights!