Tuesday, 03 January 2012 00:00
Obispo Street is one of the busiest in the city.
Samuel Hazard described Obispo Street (Bishop Street) in his work, Cuba a Pluma y Lápiz (1871) as a "block of life and movement." And of course, Obispo is one of the oldest streets in Cuba´s Havana, almost as old as the capital; and in my opinion, it is the principal street for all walking in Old Havana.
It´s straight, narrow path begins at the bay and passes through 12 streets, from Monserrate Avenue up to Restaurante Floridita. Throughout the centuries, it´s been known as or named various things: San Juan, del Consulado (the Consulate´s), de los Plateros (the Silversmith´s), calle de su Señoría Ilustrísima (Sovereign Eminence Street), etc.. In 1810 though, the street was named Obispo Street, after the appointed Bishop; however today, it´s known simply as Obispo. Although in 1905 Havana authorities named it Pi y Margail, a name so strange that in 1936, the mayor at the time restored it to Obispo.
The road´s spacial positioning makes it perfect for a diverse and extensive shopping area, which it has been practically from the beginning, and that Havanians and foreigners alike enjoy. Since the Republic´s establishment in1902, Obispo has housed several financial institutions, national and foreign, including the stretch that became known as "Havana´s little Wall Street," where its majestic building are still preserved.
In the mid 80´s, Obispo became a boulevard of the past century, with the purpose of uniting, by way of walking, the port to Galiano Street. From 1993 until now, this street and its buildings have been under constant reconstruction and rehabilitation in order to stop the sharp deterioration process. Now, Obispo, as it used to be, is one of the most populated and active streets in the city. It´s a formidable microcosm : a host for cultural projects, libraries, state and private restaurants, cafes, museums, art galleries, ministries, shops, hotels….among many others.
Another advantage of Bishop street/boulevard is that many of the city´s key locations are within walking distance, generally arriving in just a few minutes´ time. It´s obviously a central place for walking, family recreation and entertainment, which allows all to learn more about Old Havana, a World Heritage site, and also, revitalizes the city´s image.
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