Why are the streets of Old Havana narrow and lined with balconies?

The narrow streets and overhanging balconies of Old Havana are characteristic features of the city's Spanish colonial architectural heritage, which dates back to the 16th century.12

The narrowness of the streets is a common design element in many historic colonial cities, often intended to provide shade and protection from the sun in tropical climates. Regarding the balconies, they serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. In hot climates, balconies allow for greater air circulation inside buildings, as the doors opening onto them are typically louvered to facilitate ventilation. Historically, these ornate iron balconies also provided a space for residents to engage with the street life below, while the buildings themselves were designed with ornamental facades that define the city's unique character.32

While these features are iconic to the historic center, they contrast with the wider, tree-lined boulevards found in newer sections of the city, such as the 20th-century district of Vedado.1