Church del Espíritu Santo, Havana
The Iglesia del Espíritu Santo is a colonial church at #702 Calle Cuba in Old Havana, Havana, Cuba, was built in 1635 on the corner of the corner of Calles Cuba and Acosta. The Espíritu Santo contains some notable paintings including a seated, post-crucifixion Christ on the right wall, and catacombs. It is considered one of the oldest temples in Havana. Free blacks, already numerous, devoted the church to the Holy Spirit in 1638. History The church was rebuilt and expanded in 1648 and given the rank of a parish. During the colonial era it had exceptional importance, since by a papal bull of 1772 and a Royal Certificate of 1773, of Charles III of Spain, it was declared "Única Iglesia inmune en esta ciudad, construida en 1772." ("the only immune church in this city, built-in 1772."); any persecuted individual could find Amparo (sanctuary) in it against the action of the authorities or of justice. A metal plaque at the foot of the bell tower attests to this fact. In 1863 it was rebuilt by order of the Father Paules, who turned it into the beautiful church it is today. Many illustrious people of Havana were baptized in this church,