Irina Pino explores Alexander von Humboldt Park in Havana, a shaded spot under tall trees that invites spiritual calm. The park honors German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, father of environmentalism, and researcher Juan Cristóbal Gundlach.
While walking along Muralla Street in Havana, Irina Pino reached the corner of Oficios, home to Alexander von Humboldt Park. This cool spot, shaded by tall trees, features prevailing humidity that invites a sense of spiritual calm. It appeals due to its proximity to a building evoking European architecture.
Off to one side, a hidden staircase leads down to a lower level with a gated passageway. The park features two statues: one of Alexander von Humboldt and another, of unusual design and added later, dedicated to Juan Cristóbal Gundlach. Gundlach was a German naturalist who settled in Cuba to research local fauna and collected the zunzún, a tiny and beautiful bird.
The space as a whole was erected in honor of Humboldt, the German naturalist, geographer, and scientist who conducted numerous topographic studies of flora and fauna in the Americas. He made valuable contributions through his observations of climate change in ecosystems. Known as the father of environmentalism and ecology, this distinguished traveler is also called the second discoverer of the island.
Pino shares photographs of the park and encourages visitors to seek out information about these illustrious figures. Published on December 27, 2025, this photo feature highlights scientific heritage in a historic Havana corner.