How many times do you open and close the door of your house? Have you ever thought that this simple object has been a witness to years and years of history?
The other day while I was working in Old Havana, my girlfriend noticed one of the most iconic entrances in that part of the city.
"How many things must that door have witnessed," she said to me.
It immediately got me thinking... The city was built in the 16th century!
The doors on this side of the city have a colonial style, based on the grand entrances of Spanish palaces and castles.
Many are the same ones with which these architectural wonders were built. Some have been restored over time, others changed by the island's climatic conditions.
Havana was influenced by the Spanish for over three centuries. Despite everything, this was a marvel for architecture and above all for the elements that occupy us today... the doors.
For some, it is a simple architectural element, for others it is an element of security or privacy, for me personally they are works of art.
Art and architecture blend in a very unique way in these elements.
Many speak of the former owners. Others tell us about the life of the time or the influence of the style that was used.
It is then that wood and steel become art.
Let me take you on a brief tour of some of the entrances I liked most on my tour...
Let's start with this yellow house, which has been a peculiar café for years.
Through those oak doors (open in the photo), how many people do you think have passed through? How many problems do you think these doors have heard? How much coffee has passed between them?
From yellow we move to green and in this house, with such a simple door, some of the most used spices for creating delicious Cuban dishes are sold.
It is no longer what it used to be, but the seller says that even the door smells of seasoning... I didn't even want to try her theory, but why not?
Year after year, tons and tons of delicious spices pass through here, which will eventually become delicious dishes.
But if we're talking about doors and entrances, we can't fail to mention the door through which the high commands passed in the colonial era and the origin of this article...
The entrance to the Palace of the Captains General.
This entrance is one of the least enjoyed wonders of Havana...
In the past, princes, the high commands of the Cuban, Spanish and American armies passed through it. Hundreds of important operations and decisions were made crossing these doors. I can imagine all the history they would have to tell.
Currently, during the year, thousands of tourists and locals cross this door curious to see what this museum holds. (It is not possible to visit it at the moment, it is under repair)
Many enjoy the surroundings, but I prefer to enjoy this entrance. You have to see it several times, or pay attention to the details to discover everything it hides or means.
For example, the large shield in the center was the shield granted to the city when it was recognized as such by Spain.
It has undergone several restorations but still maintains the original appearance, it has been more than five centuries since this palace was created.
This entrance, the one to the Palace of the Captains General, houses one of the few remaining flags of the Liberation Army, as well as other secrets that cannot yet be visited.
But let's continue the tour...
The photo that follows, I remember where we took it, but I don't remember the name of the building...
So I'll leave it to your imagination what this door might have witnessed, which for me is one of the finest pieces of ironwork in the city.
Here the fine wood is replaced by steel, giving it a more refined and somewhat elitist touch to the house.
House of Water: La Tinaja
A few years ago, in this place, water was served to visitors, using the oldest filtration methods.
Today, we can only enjoy the door of the premises, crowned with some beautiful stained glass windows in the shape of a vase with flowers.
The door, although damaged by the passage of time, must have witnessed thousands of stories from all over the world... It must have traveled more than you and I!
And although the doors are not visible,
The entrance to the Raquel Hotel...
One of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in the historic center.
Years ago frequented by politicians, Hollywood stars and even said to be by mobsters.
The truth is, I wouldn't doubt anything you say, because it is a marvel to cross this entrance. It is a journey through time and yes, the doors, when rarely closed, are a marvel.
It has a certain air of the Continental Hotel from the John Wick saga.
To conclude our digital tour, I'll leave you with another entrance, whose name I can't remember either, but whose rustic and antique style I loved.
-Of course, I couldn't leave it out of this post-
If you look closely, in the background there is another entrance, equally or more incredible than the main entrance. Which one do you like best?
Two wonderful entrances to end this peculiar post.
When you go out on the street, I would like you to look at the doors of your city, pay attention to the details, to the oldest ones, to the most modern ones, look and imagine everything they know.
Think about how much history they have and how incredible they are.
How many years does the door of your house have? Do you like it? Or would you change it for a more ancient or more modern one?
I would love to know your opinion on this peculiar topic, I will be delighted to read you.
See you soon...
