The Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Belén) forms part of an 18th century Old Havana (Habana Vieja) religious complex dominated by a convent of the same name.
View from our guest-house room including the church tower and courtyard bordering Luz and Compostela streets on the right
Rocío and I could see the church from our guest-house room. Although closed to the public, when Rocío saw the courtyard door on Compostela Street ajar, she wanted to check it with her architect eyes. Under restoration, the friendly workers allowed us to explore the church’s interior and courtyard.
The church’s façade and adjoining tower
Sculptures on the convent church’s ornamental façade
Elaborate tile-work on the convent wall facing the church courtyard; the image appears to feature Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus and the three wise men; the Roman numerals (MCMXXV) state 1925.
A disused water feature in the church courtyard; perhaps originally used for washing feet
The Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem’s domed ceiling
Church foundations with water at the base
One of several religious wall paintings pre-restoration
Church interior under repair
