This former harborside warehouse was built in 1885 and is considered the oldest depository in Old Havana. The sober and imposing façade that looks out onto the city conceals the building’s steel structure, which has endured the passing of time and is perfectly preserved. After a painstaking restoration process of almost three years, the huge edifice reopened in 2009 as a crafts market. Conceived as a cultural center with art exhibitions, theatrical performances and recreational activities for children, most importantly it is also the largest handicraft market on the island.Havana’s artisans have here an ideal place in which to exhibit and sell their handicrafts–leather items, mostly functional yet beautiful accessories in the form of handbags, wallets, shoes, sandals and belts; costume jewelry; toys; masks; and ornamental items made of papier-mâché; paintings, sculptures and ceramic items; clothes; humidors and Afro-Cuban percussion instruments, among others.