CASA DE LOS CONDES DE JARUCO
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The Casa de Los Condes de Jaruco, now the headquarters of the Cuban Cultural Heritage Fund, is one of the oldest buildings in Havana, built between 1733 and 1737 by a wealthy parvenu whose son was given the title of Count of Jaruco. The palace remained the property of this Creole aristocratic family until the end of the century. The house is also famous as the home of a descendant of the Count, María Mercedes de Santa Cruz, Countess de Merlin, a remarkable grande dame and wife of a French nobleman. This renowned writer and poetess was progressive and in favor of the abolition of slavery. The palace features all the elements typical of urban housing of the period: a portico with arcades, a wide vestibule, a rectangular courtyard, a beautiful reception hall and small rooms with carved hardwood ceilings, an entresol (or raised first floor) and outbuildings on the first floor. Once home to garment workshops, the palace was restored in 1979 and became the headquarters of the Fondo de Bienes culturales (Cuba's Cultural Assets Fund). Until recently, exhibitions and sales (sometimes by auction) of fine art and handicrafts were held here, as well as occasional musical evenings. Unfortunately, although the building is well worth a visit, the cultural center was closed to visitors during our stay in the Cuban capital. Try your luck, you never know!
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