An official day of mourning was declared in Cuba today to honor the passing of Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler, the historian of Havana. White sheets hung from the balconies of Old Havana in respect for the man known as of restorer of the City.
Funeral services will be held at the Capitolio building, one of his largest restoration projects, once it is safe to do so because of COVID-19 conditions.
Eusebio Leal was the Havana City Historian, director of the restoration program of Old Havana and its historical center. His work led to the designation of Old Havana as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
His other great works of architectural restoration included well-known tourist sites such as El Floridita, La Bodeguita del Medio, the Malecón seawall and area, and El Morro fort situated at the entrance to the harbor of Havana. He also restored the famous fort on the coast of Santiago de Cuba.
Dr. Leal was an author of many books and received many international awards and honors for his work and will be sadly missed by Cubans and the global community.
Dr. Leal will be remembered for his immense contribution to Cuban culture, history, society and identity. He will sadly be missed.
From our staff writers and editors.
