Discover more of Panama City – Casco Viejo
Discover more of Panama City – Casco Viejo
Explore the city's beautiful colonial quarter – Casco Viejo, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Casco Viejo was founded in 1673, after pirate Henry Morgan sacked and destroyed the original city. The settlers decided to relocate the city to a safer location to protect themselves from future pirate attacks. The resulting settlement is now known as Casco Viejo (The Old Quarter).
Today, Casco Viejo is a dynamic community characterized by an interesting combination of old and new, local and foreign influences. The buildings are in several stages of renovation in accordance with a strictly enforced standard of Historical Authenticity. Panama City's colonial quarter is also a melting pot of various cultures where all unite in one place which makes it unique. Explorers of Casco Viejo get to experience a unique feeling of culture of only this neighborhood in Panama. You may also hear of Casco Viejo through other names such as Casco Antiguo, El Casco or San Felipe.
Casco Viejo is the second most visited destination in Panama, second only to the Panama Canal. There is plenty of police presence in the Casco Viejo, since it's also home to many government institutions, including the Palacio de las Garzas, home to the President of the Republic.
The Casco is home to very important historical edifications, among these are the Churches and convents like Saint Francis of Assisi, Church of La Merced, Church of San José with it's gold altar, the Church and Convent of the Society of Jesus and Church and Convent of Santo Domingo with its famous flat arch.
Where to visit
As you arrive in Casco Viejo you will find all the must-see destinations within a comfortable walk. Situated within a short distance from Balboa Avenue, Casco Viejo is undergoing a vigorous renovation, with restored colorful buildings full of history. Boisterous streets buzz with an amazing synergy accompanied with the coolest nightlife, gastronomy and unexpected art scene.
It's recommended that you join a walking tour of the area to make the most of your visit. There's so much to see and it's best to have the historical and cultural perspective that you get from a guided tour. This is especially true in the case of the churches and monasteries in the area.
We put together a short list of some popular attractions in the Casco, including Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza/ Parque Bolivar, Diablo Rosso, The National Institute of Culture Building (INAC), History Museum of Panama, The Panama Canal Museum, the Fish Market, Lazotea, Casa Casco, and Di Vino Enoteca.
1.Plaza de la Independencia
Plaza de la Independencia is home to two major sights – the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio Municipal. The former is known as the heart of Casco Viejo where most actions happen. The Metropolitan Cathedral is a crucial landmark of Casco Antiguo. It reflects the Spanish presence better than any other kinds thanks to the dimension and longevity of the buildings. The construction lasted over a century. By 1890, it was made into a park characterized with French elements.
It has been used as a bullring. This sight also holds a significant historic importance which is because this is where Panama declared its independence from Colombia in November 1903.
In addition to the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza de la Independencia is accross from the Palacio Municipal. The building served as townhall until 1910. This is where the people announced the proclamation of independence from Spain in 1821 and the deliberation from Colombia in 1903. Its charming buildNeo-Renaissance architectural is the work of Ruggieri, whose masterpiece has been restored to its original splendor. The repose of Greek columns, mythological inspiration from Vulcan and Mercury reflects Panama's important history.
2.Plaza/ Parque Bolivar
One of Casco Viejo's favorite attractions is this plaza. It's surrounded by restaurants with outdoor seating within the Plaza grounds and full of visitors, especially in the evenings. Plaza Bolivar is named after the Venezuelan general Simon Bolivar the "Liberator of Latin America" whose monument is housed by the Plaza itself. Four years before his death in 1826, Simon Bolivar organized a meeting in a schoolroom opposite of the park to call for independence and the union of all Latin American countries. After struggling against the Spanish colonialists he finally succeeded in freeing Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru.
The city council devoted Plaza Bolivar to this hero in 1883 which is where you will also find ornamental friezes marking events of his life and an Andean condor alighted above him.
The Hotel Colombia across the street from the park was one of Panama's best when it was opened in 1937. During the late 20th century, it was largely abandoned, but then renovated in the 1990s, and transformed to luxury apartments. The roof terrace has one of the few swimming pools in Casco Viejo.
3.Ministry of Culture of Panama (min Cultura)
Ministry de Cultura de Panama formally "The National Institute of Culture (INAC) was the former Supreme Court building until 1996. One of the James Bond's movie, Quantum of Solace, contains a scene shot at this location.
Inside the building you can find a small theater called Anita Villalaz Theater which hosts a range of events throughout the year. This includes theater performances, concerts and conferences. There are two levels: gallery and orchestra. History Museum of Panama is located on the second floor of the Municipal Palace building.
4.History Museum of Panama (Museo de Historia de Panama)
Not a typical history museum, the History Museum of Panama showcases documents, furniture, weapons, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, clothing, colonial items of the federal, provincial, and republican period. It is in the Plaza de la Cathedral.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Contact: (507) 501-4128
5.The Panama Canal Museum (Museo del Canal Interoceanico)
Ranked 1st in TripAdvisor's list of the best museums in Panama, the Museum presents excellent exhibitions on the famous waterway, characterized by their historical and political context. Facing the Plaza de La Catedral between Calle 6 & Calle 5 in a nicely restored building lies the
It was formerly the headquarters of the French Canal Company. Later, it was occupied by the offices of the U.S Isthmian Canal Commission and in 1912 the building became the main Post Office. The building was made officially the Panama Canal Museum in 1997. Signs are in Spanish but English-speaking guides and audio tours are available at an affordable fee.
Opening hours: 9:30AM - 5:30PM, closed on Mondays
6.The Fish Market (El Mercado del Marisco)
The fish market is located at the entrance of Casco Viejo just off Avenida Balboa. Decorated by the Japanese and Panamanian flags on top, the fish market is a white and light building. The new fish market installations were donated by the Japanese government and the installation of their flag as a tribute.
The best part of the market is that you can choose a fresh piece of fish downstairs and take it with you to a restaurant upstairs where they can prepare it for you in any way you fancy for about $6. If not, simply order something off the menu. But be prepared for a queue because this little secret is widely known among the locals and most Sunday afternoon finds a line all the way the stairs for this delicacy at this fish market. To make your waiting in line more interesting, pick up a cup of fresh ceviche. This ceviche is well-known across Panama and costs only $1-$2 a cup. Overall, this is a truly authentic culinary experience in Panama that you must not miss out.
Among the impressive displays of local fish and seafood, you can find almost anything from shrimp or prawns the size of your hand, mahi mahi (dorado), fresh yellow fin tuna, octopus (pulpo), red snapper (pargo rojo) and much more.
7.Diablo Rosso – an avant-garde art scene This gallery and café offers clothes and accessories inspired by retro. Diablo Rosso hosts Casco Viejo's community that supports and promotes young artistic talents. This venue attracts many visitors on a yearly basis thanks to its attractive diverse programs, including art exhibitions, art lectures, music experimentation, movie screenings, dance performances and community artistic projects. Altogether, Diablo Rosso reflects vibrant cultural and artistic diversity that Casco Viejo celebrates.
8.Lazotea – A unique Latin American experience
Get ready for scrumptious regional dishes and exotic drinks while enjoying the spectacular view across the city from the rooftop restaurants, bars and Cafe's. some even have terraces as well as a swimming pool and sundeck overlooking the ocean and Panama city's skyline.
9.Casa Casco – the city's party central
Whether for dinner, or for a night of dancing and authentic Panamanian people-watching, explore Casa Casco which offers five floors of dining and partying. Known as the center of party of Panama City, Casa Casco hosts a party that starts one floor up and will keep you keep excited as you move up to each floor. Casco's best dancefloor is on the fourth floor, while from the rooftop bar you can enjoy the view of the whole city.
10.Di Vino Enoteca
Specialized in serving quality and international wines. This is the place where you can come and enjoy a bottle of red with scrumptious Iberian ham. Di Vino Enoteca is highly regarded among urban expats and artists as it serves as hotspot where people of diverse background come together and share their ideas about philosophy, culture, or simply wine.
And many more venues to satisfy your appetite for history and food! Casco Viejo alone is a good reason to come Panama.
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