English Version
The Alicia Alonso National Theatre is a true jewel of Cuban architecture, both for its stunning façade and its impressive interior design. This publication is the second part of a previous one one where I described the imposing beauty of its exterior and its grand foyer. On this occasion, I come to narrate and show you its third level and the spectacular views that can be enjoyed from its rooftop, which functions as a lookout point.
The Alicia Alonso Theatre is located on Paseo del Prado Avenue in one of Havana's most historically known spaces, making it an emblematic site of the city. It is currently only open to the public for guided tours as it is undergoing restoration work, even so, its interior is amazing, a space that dazzles with its luxury and architectural details.
Making a bit of history. This place did not always have the current appearance, previously in the 19th century it was the Tacón Theatre, also of great beauty and renown, considered one of the most splendid in America where some of the best artists of the time performed.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the theatre and the land were bought by the Galician Centre, who built the building as we know it today, demolishing the old Tacón Theatre to construct the building we know today. This new architectural work became the headquarters of the Galician Society, and in addition to the main stage, it had elegant ballrooms and gambling rooms, the place where the high Galician society of Cuba met.
Some time later the Theatre became part of the Cuban State and became the main headquarters of the National Ballet of Cuba, which was directed for many years by the renowned Cuban dancer Alicia Alonso, after whom it is named.
On the upper level is one of the most beautiful halls of this place, this is where the young women were presented in society. It is a truly extraordinary place, and you can't help but be amazed by every detail.
What amazed me the most were its ceilings with meticulous decorations that reflect refinement in every detail. Also its tall marble columns and the exquisite details on the upper part of the walls, where art merges with architecture in a fascinating composition.
This great hall is surrounded by tall wooden windows with stained glass, designed to flood the space with natural light. Although many were closed I could imagine what this place would look like transformed with the sunlight illuminating every detail of the place and making its great marble columns look even more splendid. The view must be breathtaking, as is the view from its many balconies that offer a unique panorama of the city.
What I enjoyed most on this guided tour was the climb to the top of the theatre, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. From here, the three sculptures of angels that crown its towers seem to be within easy reach. The golden dome of the Capitol, bathed in sunlight, looks more resplendent than ever, and the tallest buildings can be seen in greater detail.
It was a special moment, a moment when I felt privileged to be at the highest point of this fantastic theatre, and to be able to admire the city from a different perspective.
The Alicia Alonso National Theatre is not only a jewel of Cuban architecture, but also a cultural symbol that arouses admiration and respect for its beauty and what it represents.
I hope you enjoyed this special place.
Versión en Español
El Teatro Nacional Alicia Alonso es una auténtica joya de la arquitectura cubana, tanto por su asombrosa fachada como por el impresionante diseño interior. Esta publicación es la segunda parte de una anterior donde describí la belleza imponente de su exterior y de su gran vestíbulo. En esta ocasión, vengo a narrar y mostrarles su tercer nivel y las espectaculares vistas que se pueden disfrutar desde su azotea, que funciona como mirador.
El Teatro Alicia Alonso se ubica en la Avenida Paseo del Prado en uno de los espacios históricamente más conocidos de La Habana, convirtiéndose en un sitio emblemático de la ciudad. Actualmente solo está abierto al público para visitas guiadas ya que está siendo sometido a labores de restauración, aun así, su interior es asombroso, un espacio que deslumbra con su lujo y sus detalles arquitectónicos.
Haciendo un poco de historia. Este lugar no siempre tuvo la apariencia actual, anteriormente en el siglo XIX fue el Teatro Tacón, también de gran belleza y renombre, considerado uno de los más espléndidos de América donde actuaron algunos de los mejores artistas de la época.
A principios del siglo XX, el Teatro junto a los terrenos fueron comprados por el Centro Gallego los que construyeron la edificación como la conocemos actualmente demoliendo el antiguo Teatro Tacón para construir la edificación que conocemos hoy. Esta nueva obra arquitectónica se convirtió en la sede de la Sociedad Gallega, y además del escenario principal, contaba con elegantes salones de baile y salas de juego, el lugar donde se reunía la alta sociedad gallega de Cuba.
Tiempo después el Teatro pasa a formar parte del Estado Cubano convirtiéndose en la sede primordial del Ballet Nacional de Cuba, el que fue dirigido durante muchos años por la renombrada bailarina cubana Alicia Alonso en honor a quien lleva su nombre.
En el nivel superior se encuentra uno de los salones más hermosos de este sitio, aquí era donde las jóvenes eran presentadas en sociedad. Es un lugar realmente extraordinario, y no puede dejar de asombrarme con cada detalle.
Lo que más me asombró fueron sus techos con decoraciones minuciosas que reflejan refinamiento en cada detalle. También sus altas columnas se mármol y los exquisitos detalles en la parte superior de las paredes, donde el arte se fusiona con la arquitectura en una composición fascinante.
Este gran salón está rodeado de altos ventanales de madera con vitrales, diseñados para inundar el espacio con luz natural. Aunque muchos se encontraban cerrados pude imaginar cómo sería este sitio transformado con la luz del sol iluminando cada detalle del lugar y haciendo que luzcan más espléndidas aun sus grandes columnas de mármol. La vista así debe de ser impresionante, como mismo es la vista desde sus muchos balcones que ofrecen un panorama único de la ciudad.
Lo que más disfruté de esta visita guiada fue subir hasta lo más alto del teatro, donde se puede contemplar una vista asombrosa de todo el entorno. Desde aquí, las tres esculturas de ángeles que coronan sus torres parecen estar al alcance de la mano. La dorada cúpula del Capitolio bañada por la luz del sol, luce más resplandeciente que nunca, y los edificios más altos pueden apreciarse con mayor detalle.
Fue un momento especial, un instante en el que me sentí privilegiada de estar en el punto más alto de este fantástico teatro, y poder admirar la ciudad desde una perspectiva diferente.
El Teatro Nacional Alicia Alonso es además de una joya de la arquitectura en Cuba, un símbolo cultural que despierta admiración y respeto por su belleza y lo que representa.
Espero que hayan disfrutado de este sitio tan especial.
¡Un Saludo, y hasta la próxima!
___
This post has been shared on Reddit by @jordy0827 through the HivePosh initiative.
Congratulations @jordy0827! You received the biggest smile and some love from TravelFeed! Keep up the amazing blog. 😍
Thanks for using TravelFeed!
@for91days (TravelFeed team)
PS: Have you joined our Discord yet? This is where over 1000 members of the TravelFeed come together to chat. Join us!
Hiya, @lizanomadsoul here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2593.
Your post has been manually curated by the @worldmappin team. If you like what we're doing, please drop by to check out all the rest of today's great posts and consider supporting other authors like yourself and us so we can keep the project going!
Become part of our travel community:
Thank you very much for the support and the mention 🙏🏼
You are very welcome @jordy0827! it was well deserved. ☀️
We are already looking forward to reading more about your adventures!
@jordy0827.Para mi , el edificio mas impresionante de la Habana en sentido general.
Ese tercer piso y la vista panorámica de la ciudad desde el techo de esa edificación .dejan eternas huellas de placer y bienestar en la memoria
Buen post. Felicidades
❤️🔥
Gracias David, el edificio realmente es asombroso y la vista desde la azotea impresionante.
En cuanto a los recuerdos del lugar, los mejores, los conservo con mucho cariño 🤗
It is as you say: a true architectural gem. Impressive inside and out.
Thanks, it is an amazing place!
It is so beautiful, it has so many details. A great architectural jewel
Yes, it is an amazing building.
Cheers!
You can check out this post and your own profile on the map. Be part of the Worldmappin Community and join our Discord Channel to get in touch with other travelers, ask questions or just be updated on our latest features.
Congratulations, your post has been added to the TravelFeed Map! 🎉🥳🌴
Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!
Want to have your post on the map too?
- Go to TravelFeed Map
- Click the create pin button
- Drag the marker to where your post should be. Zoom in if needed or use the search bar (top right).
- Copy and paste the generated code in your post (any Hive frontend)
- Or login with Hive Keychain or Hivesigner and click "create post" to post to Hive directly from TravelFeed
- Congrats, your post is now on the map!
PS: You can import your previous Pinmapple posts to the TravelFeed map.Opt Out
Greetings friend, what a beautiful building, I like the decoration of the ceiling and walls, they look elegant and sophisticated.
Happy weekend!