Panama - The City and The Canal, Panama City, Panama

Panama City has an important location on the narrow isthmus between Central and South America. Its position is strongly linked to both its history and its modern-day prosperity. Panama City today is modern and stylish, but with a slow-paced, Central American vibe.

Panama’s Old City, Casco Viejo, was actually the second Spanish settlement in Panama City. The original Spanish colonial town, built in the 1500s, was burned down during an attack by renowned pirate, Captain Morgan. Casco Viejo was established 12 km away on a small cape in 1673. Casco Viejo is therefore around 150 years younger than first settlement in Panama and 100 years younger than nearby Cartagena, Colombia. The difference between Cartagena and Casco Viejo today is that Panama’s Old Town has only been partially restored. Although our pictures don’t show it, about half of the buildings in Casco Viejo are either under restoration or require restoration. The ones that have been renovated though are in fabulous shape. Their pastel painted walls, pretty balconies and decorated windows are a reminder of what this town looked like 250 years ago.

The large churches in Casco Viejo are beautiful stone buildings with ornate interiors. The glittery golden alter at the front of Iglesia de San Jose has an interesting history. The legend says that when Panama City was under attack by Captain Morgan, a priest hid mounds of gold in the Pacific Ocean. Only when Captain Morgan left, was the priest able to retrieve the gold. He used this gold to create an ornate alter in the new church in Casco Viejo. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).