The Belen Arch is the only arch in the city of Havana. It is actually several arches joined together to form a short tunnel and it is the first time I pass through it.
Many times I passed by it and did not even notice it. Other times I simply saw it from afar and it did not arouse my curiosity, but this time I stopped to appreciate its architecture and I invite you all to enjoy this short walk.
It is not the most symbolic place in the city, much less as famous as other arches in the world, but it is undoubtedly an important urban exponent of the Cuban colonial period that has survived to the present day.
At 662 Compostela Street in Old Havana stands the largest religious architectural complex in Havana, the Convent of Our Lady of Belen. A church, the convent and the beautiful vaulted arch that I present to you today make up the complex. The first stage of construction was completed in the early 18th century, but it was not until 1775 that the arch was built to communicate the convent with its adjoining facilities.
Underneath, Acosta Street crosses it. It is a pathway for passersby who are used to receive its shadow every day or for others like me, who do it for the first time and are fascinated by its simplicity and beauty.
It was not always as it is shown today. A period of neglect and oblivion almost caused its total loss. Its deterioration reached such a degree that it was propped up and closed for many years. Thanks to the restoration work of a great man, Dr.Eusebio Leal Spengler, historian of the city for many years, we can now enjoy this legacy of colonial architecture.
Two hundred and fifty years after its construction, The Belen Arch, still stands as a sign of strength and persistence in the face of the passage of time. May its beauty be appreciated by many for many years to come.
Romantic and beautiful architectural and still look sturdy. Thank you. Greetings.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Regards.
Thank you're welcome.
This walk is different and beautiful, just as I like enjoying the streets and the architecture, the arch is a marvel!!!! Thank you for this walk!
Hi Amonet, sorry for my delay in replying. This walk was unplanned. I suddenly saw myself in front of it and didn't want to miss the opportunity to show it...it may be gone in a few years 😔. Un abrazo y que sea lindo lo he te queda de finde 🌻☀️🤗
Nunca pierdas una oportunidad, siempre... ten el teléfono cerca uno nunca sabe! Abrazo grande!!
That is so cool, how fortunate it was restored and still there for all to see and enjoy
Thanks for joining the Wednesday walk
Have a great day
Sorry for the late reply. It is really a joy that this arch is still preserved, the only one in the whole city. Let's hope it will resist the times we live in 😔.
Have a great wekeend.
Thanks for the support.
I like this place very much. It's good that you noticed it and decided to bring it here to share it with Hive friends.
Have a nice day, Amanda Flores Arcos!
Ay Amanda Bike Muelita...Sorry I'm just now getting around to replying to this comment...no phone, no connection etc, etc....🥴 A little unplanned walk around Havana is always appreciated 😉. Un abrazo, lindo fin de semana.
No tienes perdón 🤣 ni abrazo... te mandé plátanos y la guayaba que te gustaba, que logré que no se la llevaran de la mata. 😄
Gracias Amanda!!! 🥰😘🤗🍌...no hay guayaba 🤣🤣
I have to plan more trips to Old Havana to see beautiful things like the ones you show us today. Eusebio Leal dedicated his life to restoring Havana for our enjoyment. Nice walk dear friend @mdrguez greetings to you and your family.🥰❤️❤️❤️
Hola Mamani, disculpa que responda después de 3 días. La Habana Vieja es bella...o podemos decir con tristeza que lo era. Mucha destrucción después de la muerte de Eusebio, pero aún hay algunas cosas que se conservan y mucho se le debe a él. Un abrazo lindo sábado.