Havana, renowned as the "Pearl of the Caribbean" at the end of the 19th century, was at the time a privileged centre of luxury and the beautiful world.
Intellectuals, adventurers and business men, apart from the cream of the high society, visited the city to attend parties and the vivacious social life which took place in luxurious hotels, casinos, splendid private mansions and gardens. But Havana was also a "pearl" due to its fascinating colonial architecture, international culture and the "savoir-vivre" of its inhabitants and numerous visitors. An elegant, electric city overflowing with glamour: this in short is the Havana of 130 years or so.