Berny's photos with the keyword: Padre Varela

This beautiful and impressing building at the end of the walk along the Padre Varela is home of the "Gran Logia de Cuba", founded in 1876. It's the only Masonic lodge in the world, which can freely work in a communist country. After the revolution in 1959 Fidel Castro never forbid it, on contrary, Freemasons supported his politics. The eleven storey building (1955, architect Emilio Vasconcelos) is situated at no. 508 Avenida Salvador Allende. Allende himself was Freemason and a good friend of Fidel. Freemasonry in Cuba has about 30000 members, which is pretty much for a country of this size.

While the entrance is absoultely unspectacular, looking up you find another wonderful example for Art déco, still walking down the "Padre Varela" in Havana.

1952 Chevrolet Bel Air - see PiP for Art déco

The original factory was in the city centre near the Capitolio (see PiP) and is now situated beneath "Padre Varela".

1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe 4 Door

Old ballet theatre, dancing school and former cinema "Centro Habana".....and more Art déco!

another nice Art déco example in Calle Padre Varela

1953 Chevrolet Bel Air

The "Calle Padre Varela" is not so well known, but full of interesting beautiful buildings.