Plaza de la Revolución

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Plaza de la Revolución
Revolution Square
Plaza of the Revolution and the Ministry of the Interior seen from the José Martí memorial
Plaza of the Revolution and the Ministry of the Interior seen from the José Martí memorial
Location of Plaza de la Revolución in Havana
Plaza de la Revolución
Location of Plaza de la Revolución in Havana
Coordinates: 23°07′28″N 82°23′10″W / 23.12444, -82.38611
Country Flag of Cuba Cuba
Province Ciudad De La Habana
Area [1]
 - Total 12 km² (4.6 sq mi)
Elevation 30 m (98 ft)
Population (2004)[2]
 - Total 161,631
 - Density 13,469.3/km² (34,885.3/sq mi)
Time zone EST (UTC-5)
Area code(s) +53-7

Plaza de la Revolución ("Revolution Square") is a municipality and a square in Havana, Cuba.

The municipality stretches from the square down to the sea at the Malecón and includes the Vedado district.

Contents

[edit] Square

Revolution Square and the José Martí Memorial
Revolution Square and the José Martí Memorial

The Plaza is one of the world's largest city squares, measuring 72000 square meters [3].

The square is notable as being where many political rallies take place and Fidel Castro and other political figures address Cubans. Fidel Castro has addressed more than a million Cubans on many important occasions, such as 1 May and 26 July each year.

The square is dominated by the José Martí Memorial, which features a 109 m (358 ft) tall tower and an 18 m (59 ft) statue. The National Library, many government ministries, and other buildings are located in and around the the Plaza. Located behind the memorial are the closely guarded offices of former President Fidel Castro. Opposite the memorial on the far side of the square is the famous Che Guevara image with the slogan 'Hasta la Victoria Siempre' (Forever Onwards Towards Victory) that identifies the Ministry of the Interior building.

Construction of the square and the José Martí monument commenced during the Presidency of Fulgencio Batista. The square and the memorial were completed in 1959 (the year Fidel Castro came to power). It was originally called Plaza Cívica (Civic Square). After the Cuban Revolution (1959), it was renamed "Plaza de la Revolución" or "Revolution Square." An elevator allows access the top of the memorial, the tallest building in the city.

[edit] Demographics

In 2004, the municipality of Plaza de la Revolución had a population of 161,631.[2] With a total area of 12 km² (4.6 sq mi),[1] it has a population density of 13,469.3/km² (34,885.3/sq mi).

[edit] Landmarks in Plaza

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Statoids (July 2003). Municipios of Cuba. Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
  2. ^ a b Atenas.cu (2004). 2004 Population trends, by Province and Municipality. Retrieved on 2007-12-16. (Spanish)
  3. ^ Referencias de lugares

[edit] External links