Eusebio Leal fought for the preservation of the historical heritage of Cuba like no other. An interesting fact, which has become urban legend: when in the early 70-ies of the authorities of Havana to the regular visit of the Soviet delegation at Liberty Island decided to replace preserved since colonial times the wooden pavement on one of the Central streets of the capital with modern tiles literally across the builders rushed the young man frantically shouting: “I won’t allow it over my dead body!”. This wrestler was one of the employees of the office of the historian of Havana is a special institution that deals with preservation of historical shape of the city. Leal had only 6 years of education, but was so fascinated by the history of his native city that it took to work. And then the young historian was virtually impossible: not finished school, he was able to enter the University of Havana – the most prestigious school on the Island.
In 1981, Leal holds the position of historian of Havana. He was so enthusiastic and devoted to his beloved that was ready to go all out in order to overcome the bureaucratic difficulties, so characteristic of Cuba. Soon he was close to the maniacal obsession with protecting every corner of the old city allows him to converge with the leader of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro, who like no one else understood the need to preserve history. The Leal again can be almost impossible: commandante allows for preservation of many buildings to open small private shops, hotels and restaurants. The calculation of the historian of Havana was simple: to attract tourists and with them money that then went into the restoration. The plan worked, and to this day, Old Havana, which is so meticulously restored Leal, favorably similar in layout and construction areas. For example, renovated with the direct participation Leal fortress of Havana today included in the UNESCO world heritage site.
the Historian was able not only to preserve the appearance of Havana, but also to achieve broad international appreciation, although the fame he never sought, bribing others with modesty and passion for his life’s work. For his services he was awarded a large number of orders from different countries of the world, and was an honorary member of various academies (including, for example, the Academy of arts and Sciences USA).
he Earned his work Leal and wide the love of the people. In memory of the historian, the inhabitants of Havana on the day of his death hung on their balconies white sheets. That’s right – “White sheets” was the title of a song by the famous Cuban singer Gerardo Alfonso, which became the soundtrack for the television program “Walk in Havana”, which was led by himself, Eusebio Leal, passionately talking about my favorite go��ode, the protection of which he devoted all his life.
