Colegio de Belén, Havana

The Colegio de Belén, established in 1854 and located in Marianao, Havana, is a historic private religious school known for its impressive neoclassical architecture designed by the Morales brothers in 1925. The school, originally founded by Queen Isabella II of Spain, has a rich history, including the establishment of a meteorological observatory and its transformation into a monumental educational institution. The chapel features a striking mural and the school was once referred to as 'The Palace of Education.' However, in 1961, the Cuban government nationalized the school, leading to the expulsion of the Jesuits, who later reopened the institution in Miami as Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. Today, the Colegio de Belén stands as a significant landmark reflecting Cuba's educational and architectural heritage.