Santander, Cuba

On a corner on Havana's 'Avenida del Puerto' stands the majestic Armadores de Santander Hotel, which architectural style and decoration resemble the buildings from that beautiful maritime province in Spain. Santander's coat of arm decorates the facade of the edifice. Big lanterns, like those used in ancient vessels, hang from the ceiling in the spacious porch. Roman facade and Corinthian columns. Built in the 19th century. The initials J.C. are printed on the main door, after the constructor and proprietor of the building, Jos Cabrero Mier. The hotel's name comes from the fact that many 'armadores' (shipowners) from Santander, including the Count of La Mortera, who owned a fleet of ships that transported goods and troops between that Spanish city and Cuba, had their offices in the building.