Though the plaza is not particularly distinguished for its architecture or design, the square carries important historical and symbolic weight for the Cuban Revolution. This was the venue for the first mass rallies of Fidel’s Revolution and later the designated venue for military parades and large public assemblies where Cuban leaders such as Fidel addressed the masses on important national holidays. Ironically, the square was first designed during the Batista regime. Several important government organs are located around the plaza. On the northern side is the Interior Ministry, well known for the Che Guevara bronze bas-relief, based on the a famous photo taken by Alberto Korda at the beginning of the revolution. The José Martí Memorial is located on the eastern side of the plaza. To the west is the National Theatre of Cuba.