The University of Havana

Originally located in the heart of Old Havana, the University of Havana has been part of the Vedado district since 1902. Founded in 1728 by Dominican friars, it’s the oldest university in Cuba — and one of the oldest colonial universities on the continent. At the time, it had 5 faculties: Law, Medicine, Surgery, Pharmacy, and Arts & Humanities. Today, the institution boasts 21 faculties and 18 research centres, welcoming over 60,000 students from all over the world. The university is a living symbol of Cuban history, education, and everyday life. It has also played a central role in revolutions — involving both professors and students. One of its most famous alumni is Fidel Castro, who earned his law degree here. Its turbulent past includes the 1952 coup, which turned the university into a stronghold of resistance against tyranny. Every year, a torchlight march is held to honour the memory of those who died in the fight—among them the iconic student leader José Antonio Echeverría.