El Templete Havana
El Templete: Havana's historic birthplace, marked by a sacred ceiba tree and rich founding traditions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness founding anniversary traditions
El Templete Havana
Best Time
Witness founding anniversary traditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
El Templete: Havana's historic birthplace, marked by a sacred ceiba tree and rich founding traditions.
"A cornerstone of Havana's history, El Templete and its revered ceiba tree offer a unique cultural experience."
🔄 Walk around the Ceiba Tree
Participate in the tradition: walk 3 times, toss a coin, and make a wish.
📜 Learn the History
Understand its significance as Havana's founding site and its connection to the ceiba tree.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 673 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sacred Ceiba Tree
Adjacent to El Templete
A revered ancient ceiba tree, marking Havana's founding site and a place for wishes and traditions.
El Templete Monument
Paseo del Prado, Havana
A historic monument commemorating Havana's foundation, featuring significant artwork inside.
Founding Anniversary Tradition
El Templete grounds
Experience the midnight walk around the ceiba tree on Havana's founding anniversary (Nov 16th).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand El Templete's Significance
Embrace the Ceiba Tree Ritual
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔄 Walk around the Ceiba Tree
Participate in the tradition: walk 3 times, toss a coin, and make a wish. 
📜 Learn the History
Understand its significance as Havana's founding site and its connection to the ceiba tree.
📸 Capture the Moment
The architecture and the ancient ceiba tree offer great photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Explore Old Havana
El Templete is part of a larger walking tour of Old Havana's landmarks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔄 Walk around the Ceiba Tree
Participate in the tradition: walk 3 times, toss a coin, and make a wish.
📜 Learn the History
Understand its significance as Havana's founding site and its connection to the ceiba tree.
📸 Capture the Moment
The architecture and the ancient ceiba tree offer great photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Explore Old Havana
El Templete is part of a larger walking tour of Old Havana's landmarks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise El Templete as a historically significant landmark and a peaceful spot. The revered ceiba tree and its associated traditions are frequently highlighted as a unique and meaningful experience. While some reviews are brief, they consistently convey a sense of awe and appreciation for the site's cultural importance.
"An architectural landmark to the city of Cali. Eclectic architecture with publisher space potential."
Carlos Hurtado
"Great place to be in peace with only Lord and yourself, awesome experience!!!!"
Luis Alvarado
"😘"
Helman Meneses
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Templete is located in Old Havana, easily accessible by walking if you're staying nearby. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city to take you to this historic site.
Yes, El Templete is frequently included in guided walking tours of Old Havana, offering historical context and insights.
Walking is the best way to explore Old Havana and discover El Templete along with other historical sites like Plaza de Armas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
El Templete itself is an outdoor monument and historical site, generally free to visit and admire from the outside. Access to any interior exhibits or spaces may vary.
As an outdoor landmark, El Templete is accessible at most times. However, specific access to any internal areas or associated buildings might have set hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience.
Typically, there is no entrance fee to see El Templete and its surrounding ceiba tree, as it's a public historical marker.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ceiba tree is central to El Templete's history, marking the exact spot where Havana was founded in 1519. It's a sacred tree in Afro-Cuban traditions and a focal point for visitors.
Visitors often participate in a ritual at the ceiba tree: walking around it three times, tossing a coin into its roots, and making a silent wish.
Inside El Templete, you can find three paintings commemorating significant historical events: the first Christian mass, the first town council meeting, and the founding of the city.
Yes, El Templete and its iconic ceiba tree offer unique photographic opportunities, blending history, nature, and Cuban culture.
Havana's founding anniversary is on November 16th. Locals and visitors may gather at El Templete to observe traditions on this day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit