La Habana Vieja, Havana, Cuba

The historic heart of Havana was declared part of the 'cultural heritage of humanity' by UNESCO in 1982 and is the largest Colonial centre in Latin America. After two centuries of neglect, restoration work under the direction of Eusebio Leal Spengler (the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage) is reviving the former splendour of this district.

La Habana Vieja is characterized by Hispanic-Andalusian architecture, vitalised by the tropical sun and lush vegetation (although you'd wonder looking at this intense shot!). Time seems to stand still here but nonetheless, this area of the city does not give the impression of being a museum piece. The restoration is not limited to monuments and major buildings, but also includes shops and ordinary houses to ensure not only the revival of the Old Town's beauty but to protect the vitality of it's everyday comings and goings.