Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción


Cárdenas' twin-towered cathedral was built in 1846, though it looks older. The main ecclesiastical building of Cárdenas, it is noted for its stained glass and fronted by what is purportedly the oldest statue of Christopher Columbus in the western hemisphere. Opening times for the cathedral are sporadic. Your best bet for a peep is during Sunday Mass.

Dating from 1862, the statue outside of Cristóbal Colón, as he's known in Cuba, stands rather authoritatively with his face fixed in a thoughtful frown and a globe (and usually some bird shit) resting at his feet.

The cathedral and statue stand in Parque Colón, five blocks north of Parque Echeverría.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Plaza Molocoff

0.28 MILES

In a city of lost glories, Plaza Molocoff is one of the grandest yet most disfigured sights. This whimsical two-story cast-iron market hall with a…

3. Museo de Batalla de Ideas

0.29 MILES

The newest of Cárdenas' three museums offers a keenly curated if propaganda-heavy overview of the history of US–Cuban relations inspired by the case of…

4. Museo Oscar María de Rojas

0.33 MILES

Cuba's second-oldest museum (after the Museo Bacardí in Santiago) offers a selection of weird artifacts, including a strangulation chair from 1830, a face…

5. Flagpole Monument

0.47 MILES

No, not just any old flagpole. Follow Av Céspedes past Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción to its northern end and you will see this flagpole is attached…

6. Arechabala Rum Factory

0.51 MILES

To the northwest of the center of Cárdenas, in the industrial zone, is this famous rum factory founded in 1878 by Spanish immigrant José Arechabala…

7. Parque Josone

8.19 MILES

If you're set on sightseeing in Varadero, ensconce yourself in this pretty green oasis. These landscaped gardens date back to 1940 and take their name…

8. Iglesia de Santa Elvira

8.31 MILES

Just east of Parque Central is this tiny colonial-style building resembling a displaced alpine chapel.