The Fountain of Noble Havana
- Submitted by: manso
- Travel and Tourism
- 05 / 26 / 2011
2011.05.25 - 14:36:22 / radiorebelde.icrt.cu /The Fountain of Noble Havana. Havana, Cuba. - Havana has many distinctive symbols that make it unique, like the Fountain of the Indian Girl or Noble Havana. It stands at one end of Prado Avenue, only a few meters from the Capitol Building and the Fraternity Park. Every day, thousands of passersby stop to admire its magnificence.
The fountain was sculpted in 1837. Italian architect Giuseppe Gaggini designed it, at the request of Count of Villanueva, Don Claudio Martinez.
The piece was initially placed in the former Campo de Marte. In 1863, it was moved to the Central Park and was returned to its current location in 1875, but the changes did not stop. In 1928, the Fountain was moved sideways, to its current position, facing Prado Avenue.
This sculptural monument of neoclassicist style was built in white Carrere marble and rises three meters high. The central figure is an Indian girl holding the city coat of arms in her right hand, which refers to Havana first three fortresses: The Royal Force, Morro and La Punta Castles. They are next to the key that symbolizes the strategic position of the Cuban capital. In her other hand, the Indian girl carries a horn full of Cuban typical fruits, crowned by a pineapple.
This central figure stands on a pedestal with four dolphins, surrounded by huge shells that make up the foundation. The complex is rounded up by five royal palm trees.
The fame of the sculpture is enhanced by the fact that the Fountain of the Indian Girl was reportedly the first image ever photographed in Havana. The scoop is attributed to French Antonio Rezzonico, during the 40’s of XIX Century.
The Fountain of the Indian Girl or Noble Havana will always be a rendezvous for Cubans and visitors. They keep coming to a halt to stare with the ever-new awe that beauty inspires.By: Elsa Maria Cortes and Translated by: Pedro A. Fanego Sea
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