- Address: Vía Cincuentenario, Panamá, Panama
- Phone: +507 226-8915
- Foundation date: August 15, 1519.
- Working hours: 8.30-16.30, daily, except Monday
- Cost of visit: free of charge
Panama is the largest city and the capital of the eponymous state in Central America. Today this metropolis is one of the most highly developed in the whole country and is of great interest to tourists. Amazingly, multi-storey office buildings and ancient architecture side by side here, but this does not spoil the city, but rather the opposite - adds to it a special charm. Next, we will talk about the main attraction of the capital - the historic district of Panama Viejo (Panamá Viejo).
Interesting Facts
Panama Viejo can rightly be called the "heart" of Panama City, because it was from this place on August 15, 1519 began the history of this amazing city. At that time, the population was almost 100 people, and a few years later a small settlement grew to the size of the city and received an official status. Soon after these events, Panama Viejo became the starting point for expeditions to Peru and an important base from where to Spain went gold and silver.
In the future, the city repeatedly suffered from fires, as a result of which many local attractions , churches and hospitals, were burned to the ground. However, the residents did not hurry to leave their native land. When in 1671 the population reached a mark of 10,000 people, Panamá Viejo was attacked by pirates led by the English navigator Henry Morgan. As a result of this tragic event, several thousand people were killed - then the authorities decided to move the capital to a new location.
What to see?
An important distinctive feature of Panama Viejo from other ruined cities is the unshakable spirit of the locals, who still inhabit this region today. After a century people continue to lead a familiar lifestyle in the neighborhood of the legendary ruins. Among the main attractions of the old city, near which you can see daily foreign tourists, you can distinguish:
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Asuncion ;
- royal chambers;
- the ancient church of St. Dominic;
- the cathedral of La Compagnia de Jesus;
- the monastery de la Merced ;
- a museum of old Panama ;
- the King's Bridge .
Unfortunately, in the past, the city authorities treated very negligently the archaeological complex in the open air. Here, garbage dumps were arranged, and some historical buildings were used as stables. This could not but affect the appearance of Panama Viejo: in place of many previously magnificent buildings, one can only see ruins today. And yet, it does not bother curious travelers who want to see the ruins of an ancient city with their own eyes.
How to get there?
The old city of Panama Viejo is located in the south-eastern part of the modern capital . You can get to this area by bus from Albrook "Marcos A. Helabert" airport . The fare on public transport in Panama is low, about 1-2 $. If you prefer to travel in comfort, take a car or book a taxi right at the airport.
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