Panama Viejo (Old Panama), Panama City (must see)

Old Panama (Panama Viejo) is the remaining part of the original Panama City. It served as the former capital of Panama before its destruction in 1671 by the Welsh privateer Henry Morgan. Located in the suburbs of the current capital, it is a site of great historical significance and, together with the historical district of Panama, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

The settlement, initially called Castilla del Oro, was established on August 15, 1519, by Pedro Arias Dávila and 100 other settlers. This marked the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean, replacing the earlier cities of Santa María la Antigüa del Darién and Acla. In 1521, the settlement was elevated to city status by a royal decree from Charles V of Spain, who also granted it a coat of arms, thereby forming a new municipal council (cabildo). Old Panama quickly became a pivotal starting point for expeditions to Peru and an essential hub for the shipment of gold and silver to Spain.

Despite experiencing significant fires in 1539 and 1563, which destroyed parts of the city, Old Panama continued to grow. By 1610, it boasted a population of 5,000, with 500 houses, convents, chapels, a hospital, and a cathedral. However, the city faced multiple attacks from pirates and indigenous people from Darién in the early 17th century. Additionally, a destructive earthquake on May 2, 1620, and the Great Fire of February 21, 1644, which destroyed 83 religious buildings, including the cathedral, were significant setbacks. By this time, the city's population had reached 8,000.

The most catastrophic event in Old Panama's history occurred on January 28, 1671, when Henry Morgan attacked the city with a force of 1,400 men. After defeating the city's militia, Morgan's men sacked Panama. Whether the subsequent fire that destroyed the city was started by Morgan's forces or was a result of an order from Captain General Don Juan Pérez de Guzmán to blow up the gunpowder magazines remains unclear. The attack led to the loss of thousands of lives and necessitated the rebuilding of Panama City a few kilometers to the west at its present location.

Today, Old Panama stands as a symbol of the rich and tumultuous history of Panama. It has also featured in popular culture, serving as a Pit Stop in the 19th season of "The Amazing Race" and hosting a reward feast in the 7th season of the CBS show "Survivor."