Batabanó is one of the seven cities originally founded in 1515 by Velasquez' men, and was the original Spanish site of Havana.  It was actually called San Cristóbal de la Habana for four years before present-day Havana was established about 30 miles north.

Today, Batabanó has a population of about 15,000 people.  Like many of the small towns in the southern part of Havana province, Batabanó is a depressing place.  Eastern-bloc architecture looms over the swampy landscape, and there is not much in the way of interesting sights to see.