previous  CUBA > 3 next A street scene at the Old Havana (La Habana Vieja). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old city was founded around early 16th century, and "retains an interesting mix of baroque and neo-classical monuments, and a homogenous ensemble of civilian houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and interior courtyards" (UNESCO citation). Under the communist rule, as well as the ill economy, a large part of the old town severely lacks of maintenance. Some residential areas are in the verge of becoming a slump.