Cuban Landmarks in Photos, Then and Now
Famous landmarks in Cuba have changed remarkably little in decades.
![A view of El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 6, in 1972.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/AP_havana_capitolio_before_ll_141219_16x9_992.jpg?w=1600)
— -- Thawing relations between Cuba and the United States may be opening up an island nation that has been closed off to American trade and culture for decades.
President Obama announced last week that he is loosening the embargo against against Cuba through executive action, including permitting U.S. exports to Cuba.
As Cuba's iconic classic cars have been frozen in time, the country's landmarks are also shown below from old snapshots in Havana compared to today.
1. Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis
Then:
![PHOTO: Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis, circa 2000, in Havana, Cuba.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/GTY_havana_basilica_then_ll_141219.jpg)
Now:
![PHOTO: Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis, in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 18, 2014.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/HT_havana_basilica_now_ll_141219.jpg)
2. Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Then:
![PHOTO: View of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba from January 1950, in Havana, Cuba.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/GTY_havana_hotel_nacional_before_ll_141219.jpg)
Now:
![PHOTO: Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Dec. 18, 2014.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/HT_havana_hotel_nacional_now_ll_141219.jpg)
3. Morro Castle
Then:
![PHOTO: A view of the Morro Castle, the fort defending the entrance to Havana Harbor, Feb. 3, 1946. The entrance to the harbor is in the background and at left is the famous Prado Avenue.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/AP_havana_morro_before_ll_141219.jpg)
Now:
![PHOTO: A view of Morro Castle, the entrance to the harbor, and Prado Avenue, Dec. 18, 2014.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/HT_havana_morro_now_ll_141219.jpg)
4. Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception
Then:
![PHOTO: A view of the Cathedral of The Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception from January 1950, in Havana, Cuba.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/GTY_havana_cathedral_before_ll_141219_4x3t_992.jpg)
Now:
![PHOTO: A view of the Cathedral of The Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 18, 2014.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/HT_havana_cathedral_now_ll_141219.jpg)
5. National Capitol Building in Havana
Then:
![PHOTO: A view of El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 6, in 1972.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/AP_havana_capitolio_before_ll_141219_4x3t_992.jpg)
Now:
![PHOTO: El Capitolio in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 18, 2014.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/HT_havana_capitolio_now_ll_141219.jpg)