Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)

Overview

Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, is the historic district of Panama City. Founded in 1673 by the Spanish, this UNESCO World Heritage Site represents one of the most important colonial settlements in the Americas. The area features beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture, charming plazas, museums, restaurants, and boutique hotels.

History

After the original Panama City (now known as Panama Viejo) was destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671, the Spanish relocated the city to this more defensible peninsula. The new city was strategically positioned to better protect against future pirate attacks. Throughout the centuries, Casco Viejo served as the political, religious, and economic center of Panama. The area fell into decline in the mid-20th century but has undergone extensive restoration since the 1990s, transforming it into a vibrant cultural and tourist destination.

Highlights

• •Plaza de la Independencia - where Panama declared independence
• •Metropolitan Cathedral - stunning baroque architecture
• •Presidential Palace (Palacio de las Garzas)
• •Teatro Nacional - beautiful neoclassical theater
• •Las Bóvedas - historic dungeons turned into galleries
• •Plaza de Francia - tribute to French canal workers
• •Church and Convent of Santo Domingo
• •Museum of Colonial Religious Art

Visitor Tips

• 💡Wear comfortable walking shoes due to cobblestone streets
• 💡Bring sunscreen and water
• 💡Many restaurants close between 3-6 PM
• 💡Best photographed during golden hour
• 💡Watch for your belongings in crowded areas

Frequently Asked Questions

References

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Historic District of Panama
• Panama Tourism Authority - Casco Viejo