Malecon

The Malecón (officially Avenida de Maceo) is a broad esplanade, roadway and seawall which stretches for 8 km (5 miles) along the coast in Havana, Cuba, from the mouth of Havana Harbor in Old Havana, along the north side of the Centro Habana neighborhood, ending in the Vedado neighborhood. New businesses are appearing on the esplanade due to economic reforms in Cuba that now allow Cubans to own private businesses. The Malecón continues to be popular among Cubans, especially among those of lesser means whose other means of entertainment are limited. It is also a means of income for poorer families, as individual fishermen cast their lures there. In addition, it is a hotspot for prostitution in Cuba by men and women. Although the houses lining the Malecón are mostly in ruins, the Malecón remains one of the most spectacular and popular destinations in Havana. There are a number of important monuments along the Malecón, including those to General Máximo Gomez, Antonio Maceo, General Calixto García, and the Monument to the Victims of the USS Maine. At the intersection of 23rd Street, the Malecón marks the northeast end of the "La Rampa" section of 23rd Street, Vedado, and is very active at night. Pals lapels,als In the Plaza de la Dignidad is a statue of José Martí and in front of the Embassy of the United States, the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform. Significant buildings include the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, the Torreón de San Lázaro, and the Hotel Nacional.