The ruins of the Tívoli Brewery in Havana

In the heart of the Palatino neighborhood in Havana, between Vía Blanca and Armonía streets, lie the remnants of one of Cuba's old breweries: La Cervecería Tívoli.

This place, in its heyday, was one of the major beer producers in Cuba. Today, it is a deteriorated, fragmented space. It stands as another ruin of Cuba's industrial past.

The Tívoli Brewery was founded in the second half of the 19th century and established itself as a significant competitor in the Cuban market. In 1910, the renowned La Tropical Brewery acquired it and assimilated its brands and industrial processes.

Facebook user José Jiménez claims in a post that this Cuban beer "has won awards in Europe and the United States."

Among the most significant were: "The Grand Prizes at the International Exhibitions in London in 1896 and Brussels in 1897; Diploma and Grand Prize at the International Exhibition of Progress in Paris in 1912; Gold Medal at the Agriculture and Industries Exhibition in Havana in 1909 and 1911; Bronze Medal at the St. Louis Exhibition in 1904, and their medals were displayed on the old label."

The administrative buildings of Cervecería La Tropical were located at the corner of Calzada de Palatino and Atocha, and they were inaugurated in 1920. The company had a private aqueduct that brought water from the San Jerónimo springs to the Tívoli factory in Palatino.

In the 1930s, La Tropical launched Maltina Tívoli Vitaminada, which was well received among Cubans.

Beer production in Cuba was thriving and was linked to the history of the country's first ice factory. Among the most popular brands were Polar, Hatuey, and Cristal. In the 1960s, these companies were nationalized.

Little by little, the building that was the original home of the Tívoli Brewery fell into decline, changing its functions and being relegated to other uses.

Today, the former factory is divided into multiple units and hosts various companies and activities. One of the main occupants is SERVIRTE, a company that provides construction materials.

Additionally, in the area, there is a quarry where stone is processed and a small business dedicated to the production of bread and sweets. In what were once industrial spaces, there are now also some residences. Another part of the factory has been adapted to serve as parking and storage.

The remnants of the Tívoli Brewery present a scene of neglect, with debris and vegetation surrounding the site. Some architectural elements still endure, evoking its glorious past, such as stone details from the ornamental structures at the entrance.

There are also remnants of old shields or emblems, likely used in their time to highlight the elegance and distinction of this Cuban beer brand.

Tívoli was renowned for its Munich-style dark beer and Maltina Tívoli, which remain etched in the memory of Cubans as a symbol of the country's rich brewing tradition. On the grounds of its factory, only ruins remain, telling a story of progress, production, and national pride that has now faded away.