It is considered the Spanish construction of its type, preserved, oldest of all Latin America, so it represents a valuable example of colonial architecture, since it was built between 1516 and 1530.

The building, seat of the first government of the island, presents in its structure notable architectural and decorative elements characteristic of Mudejar art.

It was converted into a museum that revives the colonial atmosphere of the Cuban dwelling, while at the same time possessing a valuable collection of furniture and objects of the time.