The Paseo Alameda de Paula, Old Havana
Por Luís Suárez, student of journalism (at the time of writing this text), translated by Danilo Renzi.
The Alameda de Paula
The Alameda de Paula is recognized as the first promenade of the town of San Cristobal in Havana. It was built under the direction of Antonio Fernández de Trebejos y Zaldívar, a prestigious architect and colonel of engineers of the 18th century, and inaugurated in 1777 on the land where a garbage dump had previously existed.
The execution of this project fulfilled the wishes of Felipe de Fondesviela, Captain General and Marquis de la Torre, who considered that the construction of the promenade would be a way of showing progress in the urbanization of the town.
Between Time and History: The Alameda
At first, two rows of poplars and a few benches spread out on an embankment were the components of the alameda, called Paula because of the nearby church of the same name.
After the inauguration in 1777, the first modifications were made between 1803 and 1805, and consisted of adding a fountain and stone benches.
Later, in the 40's of the XIX century, the access stairs to the promenade were enlarged and street lamps were introduced. Also in this period, large houses were built in front of the promenade, which still preserve their architectural value.
By decision of a U.S. company in charge of managing the port activity in the city, named Havana Central, in 1911, space was taken away from it to give way to the construction of warehouses and docks.
In the year 2000, the Office of the Historian of Havana made it possible for the Alameda de Paula and the church from which it takes its name to be united, because, although they were very close, they were separated by a road. After this union, both visitors who walk the route and drivers of vehicles can move more easily.
On July 10, 2019, a sculpture of Nicolás Guillén, Cuba's National Poet, was unveiled in the popular promenade on the occasion of the 117th anniversary of his birth. The work was created by sculptor Enrique Angulo and this place was chosen because it was often visited by the poet and was the source of his inspiration.
Between the Sea and the City
Those interested in touring the Alameda de Paula can find it on Avenida del Puerto in the municipality of Old Havana, specifically, towards the sea, at the end of San Ignacio, Merced, Jesús María, Acosta and Oficios streets.
At one end is the Church of Paula and near the other, the Avenida del Puerto, a park and the pier for the boats that constantly transport people between that point and the municipality of Regla, on the other side of the bay.
This unique public space that enriches the historic center of the city can be described as a balcony overlooking the sea from where you can enjoy the sun or a good shade, and the landscape that is drawn in the bay of Havana.
