ABC News December 24, 2014

Cuban Landmarks in Photos, Then and Now

ddrbildarchiv.de/picture-allianc/dpa/AP Photo
A view of El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 6, in 1972.

Thawing relations between Cuba and the United States may be opening up an island nation that has been closed off to American trade and culture for decades.

President Obama announced last week that he is loosening the embargo against against Cuba through executive action, including permitting U.S. exports to Cuba.

As Cuba's iconic classic cars have been frozen in time, the country's landmarks are also shown below from old snapshots in Havana compared to today.

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1. Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis

Then:

De Agostini/Getty Images
Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis, circa 2000, in Havana, Cuba.

Now:

Serena Marshall/ABC News
Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis, in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 18, 2014.

2. Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Then:

Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images
View of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba from January 1950, in Havana, Cuba.

Now:

Serena Marshall/ABC News
Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Dec. 18, 2014.

3. Morro Castle

Then:

Charles Kenneth Lucas/AP
A view of Morro Castle, the fort defending the entrance to Havana Harbor, Feb. 3, 1946. The entrance to the harbor is in the background and at left is the famous Prado Avenue.

Now:

Serena Marshall/ABC News
A view of Morro Castle, the entrance to the harbor, and Prado Avenue, Dec. 18, 2014.

4. Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Then:

Lionel Green/Archive Photos/Getty Images
A view of the Cathedral of The Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception from January 1950, in Havana, Cuba.

Now:

Serena Marshall/ABC News
A view of the Cathedral of The Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 18, 2014.

5. National Capitol Building in Havana

Then:

ddrbildarchiv.de/picture-allianc/dpa/AP Photo
A view of El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 6, in 1972.

Now:

Serena Marshall/ABC News
El Capitolio in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 18, 2014.