HOME OF JOSÉ MARTÍ

Not far from the train station (Terminal de Trenes), the birth house of the father of the Cuban nation is located in the old neighborhood of San Isidro, one of the poorest in colonial Havana. Probably built at the beginning of the 19th century, it is made of brick, with a tiled roof and a blue and white facade, and is built on two levels. On January 28, 1853, this peaceful house has the historical privilege of having seen the birth of José Martí, the hero of Cuban Independence.

At that time, the owners lived on the first floor, while the upper floor was rented by José Martí's father. The family lived there until the death of his mother, Leonor Pérez, in 1907. The entire house was turned into a museum and inaugurated as such on January 28, 1925, on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of José Martí's birth. It was completely restored in the 1960s and, after the demolition of the adjacent buildings, a park was added towards Egido Street. The museum, which is very popular with Cuban schoolchildren, exhibits objects that belonged to the family of José Martí, as well as personal belongings, documents, writings, books and photos of Cuba's national hero.

This museum only exists thanks to the commitment and determination of a journalist named Arturo Carricarte. It was he who, with the help of others, meticulously and patiently collected, classified and preserved objects and documents that belonged to José Martí. A visit with the air of a pilgrimage that will certainly please the admirers of Martí.