The park occupies the area of the
Real Cárcel de la Habana that was demolished totally in 1941. It was
constructed on the remains of this prision building.
Therefore, some still call it Parque de la Cárcel. What you
will see in the park as the Real Cárcel de la Habana is a
structure, consisting of the chapel and the four cells of
the dangeon of the old prison, preserved in memoriam to the
personalities that were imprisoned here because of their
struggle for an independent of Cuba. This park is dedicated to
the memory of those that had suffered so horribly within the
walls of the prison. Therefore, the park is officially named
as the Parque de los Mártires
This
small park, surrounded by speedy traffic, is an ideal place
to rest under the shade of the old almond trees. There is a
beautiful marble sculpture that stands on a circular
fountain. The art deco sculpture represents the naked bodies
of a couple, in that the man embraces the woman in a fervent
gesture. The sculpture on the fountain is the work of the
Cuban sculptors Rita Longa and Juan José Sicre, and it was
erected in 1947. There is also another sculpture by Jima
Madera, dedicated to the recreation of the habaneros.
