Heredia’s Birth House
One of the posters that deck out the city reads: “Heredia was born where Cuba’s palm trees are higher, at the tireless Santiago”. This phrase issued by our José Martí invites us to learn more about the life and work of José María Heredia y Heredia, who is described as the First Romantic Poet of the Spanish language. The Excelencias Group proposes you to take a closer look at the property where such an illustrious poet was born.
Nestled at Heredia Street No. 260 between Pío Rosado and Hartman, this old house stands out because that is where Heredia was born on December 31, 1803, and lived his first two years. In his work, Heredia highlighted such symbols as the lonely star and the royal palm tree, which identify us as Cubans and patriots. He cleared the way to the birth of our nationality and that’s the reason why he is our First National Poet.
The Heredia family didn’t live long in this house located in the old High Cathedral Street No. 6. The father, because of his work, was given missions in different territories of the Spanish colonial empire, so he took the family and never returned to the city. When they came back to the country, they lived in Matanzas city. Since the family walked away, the house was turned into a slave barracks and hospital. This turn brought about its deterioration and subsequent ruin state.
The property, labeled one of the oldest houses in town, is a characteristic example of the colonial architecture from the 18th century. With a marked influence of Arabic art, there are some amazing pieces of woodwork with a gorgeous poly lobulated arch, windows with bars and Spanish door, as well as saddle roof. The house also features an inner courtyard surrounded by rooms and galleries, a space that offers illumination, ventilation and beauty. There is a well right in the center to collect rain water.
The house has been preserved thanks to the management of Heredia Board, an association that was officially created in 1889 by such illustrious patriots as Federico Pérez Carbó, Emilio Bacardí, Eduardo Yero Buduen, among others, who felt the need to preserve this historic-cultural treasure of the city. The acquired the property, founded a teaching establishment and placed a commemorative stone plaque. The Board also asked the City Hall to name the street after the remarkable poet, which became effective in November 1889.
Once these objectives were achieved and after a rigorous restoration, in May 1890, on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of José Maria Heredia’s passing, his birth house was opened to the public, exhibiting an oil painting created by José Uranio Carbó that shows the majesty of the Niagara Singer.
This institution treasures pieces of furniture that date back from the early 19th century and others that represent the Spanish Renaissance style from the 20th century. There is an interesting iconography of the poet with pieces created by acclaimed artists and, in terms of decorative arts, there is fine glassware and Italian, German and French porcelain. Some of these objects have been donated by Heredia’s descendants. The property also features bronze lamps and candelabra.
In 1969 the house underwent an intense reparation of floors, roof and walls, headed by Dr. Francisco Prat Puig. Important archaeological pieces were found in the black hole or latrine, which are being exhibited and attract visitors. Likewise, the floors were restored by taking in to account the original ceramics.
The property was declared National Monument in 1979 and it is presently managed by the Office of the City Curator, so it has become a center to promote national literature and art and receives outstanding national and international figures that are honored with “Heredia Plaque” distinction because of their contribution to the cultural development of the city and nation.
