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Casco Viejo




Casco Viejo (the old quarter) was founded in 1673 after the famous Capt. Morgan for whom the rum is named burned down the original city of Panama Viejo in 1671. It sits on a peninsula with Bahia De Panama on one side and ships lining up for passage through the Panama Canal on the other. In 1997 UNESCO declared the Casco a world heritage site. The area is still developing with many of the old buildings in a rundown to ruined state. During the day you’ll find it a very colorful area with small

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Casco Viejo (the old quarter) was founded in 1673 after the famous Capt. Morgan for whom the rum is named burned down the original city of Panama Viejo in 1671.

It sits on a peninsula with Bahia De Panama on one side and ships lining up for passage through the Panama Canal on the other.

In 1997 UNESCO declared the Casco a world heritage site. The area is still developing with many of the old buildings in a rundown to ruined state.

During the day you’ll find it a very colorful area with small winding brick paved streets. As you walk through the different plazas you can feel the ocean breeze dance through the streets and imagine the time when the city lived in fear of pirates.

As you walk down Central Ave towards the Pacific Ocean look for Plaza Bolivar on Calle 4 and Ave B. Here you’ll see an amazing statue celebrating the independence from Columbia. In a house surrounding the Plaza the Declaration of Independence for Panama was written. You will also find the National Theater overlooking the sea.

Follow Central Ave the other direction and it quickly becomes a pedestrian street, with shopping everywhere you look. For some really great deals look for “Orange” a full department store that will lighten your mood but not your wallet. For shoes under $10 shirts as low as $2 and watches right around $5.

Casco Viejo is in development and the surrounding areas rang from being a wee bit sketchy to down right dangerous. The Chorrillo area (on the coast to northwest) is to be avoided day and night. The rampant gang activity keeps even the locals away.

A friend of mine got off the bus near the Chorrilo area and children came running up to warn him away, quickly walking the other way to find a taxi the heavily armed local police saw him and quickly scooped him up and gave him a ride back to the safe area of town.

It can be a little confusing with the winding streets so pick up a map at Luna’s Castle (Calle 9 & Ave B) the staff all speak English and know the area like the back of their hand.
Overall the Casco Viejo area is an amazing taste of Panama.

To get here take a bus to the Cinco de Mayo Plaza. Walk Central Ave. Shop along the way. Grab lunch at the Coca-Cola Café at the end of Central Ave ($3-$5)

Stop in Luna’s Castle and ask for directions to the Old Cigar shop ( Hand rolled Cigars $.50 and up) and enjoy the view across the Bahia De Panama of the ever changing Panama City Skyline. Then grab bed at Luna’s Castle ($12) or a cab back to your hotel around sunset.

Written and researched by Jason M. O’Rourke


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Things to do in Casco Viejo

Presidential Palace

Nicknamed "Palacio de las Grazas" after the African herons that stalk its grounds, this modest but beautiful building is the office of Panama's president. The street is quite heavily ...
Historical Building
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Plaza Bolívar

Away from the bustle of Lima’s downtown lies the green park of Plaza Bolívar, flanked by three of Lima’s more interesting museums. Travel back 8,000 years as you peruse the Pre-Columbian ...
City Plaza
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis

This cathedral was one of the original structures from Casco Viejo. It was ravaged by fire in 1737 and again in 1756. The cathedral was restored in 1998, and is now one of the most striking churches ...
Historical Building
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Teatro Nacional

Fronted with busts of famous writers, this cultural center hosts operas, plays, ballets and performances of all types. The building is about 100 years old, and is decorated with frescoes by Roberto ...
Historical Building
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Plaza Francia

This plaza is part of a monument honoring France's contributions to the construction of the Panama Canal. There's often a delightful breeze blowing through, and from the end of the walkway you can ...
City Plaza
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Plaza de la Catedral (AKA Plaza de la Independencia)

A great place to start on a walking tour of Casco Viejo. This plaza marks the spot where, on November 3 1903, Panama declared its independence from Colombia. Although pleasant, the plaza in not a ...
City Plaza
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Museo de Historia de Panama

Museo de Historia de Panama is a small museum featuring paintings, artifacts and models detailing the history of Panama City. The focus is on colonial history. There are also temporary exhibits. It ...
Museum
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Iglesia Compania de Jesus

Iglesia Companía de Jesús is a beautiful old church which, as of July 2008, was locked up for restoration. It's still worth walking by the check out from the outside, however, and should be ...
Historical Building
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Antiguo Club Union

This ruin was once an elegant neoclassical building. It was constructed in 1917 as the posh Union Club. It was later transformed into an officer's club for the Panamanian army. Apparently, it was ...
Ruin
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Tiger's Hand Bastion (Mano de Tigre)

This crumbling ruin is one of the last remaining sections of Panama's 17th-century fortifications. As a historical site, it's not particularly impressive. As of July 2008, a homeless man was living ...
Ruin
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Iglesia San Jose

Although this church dates back to 1677, it has obviously bee restored. The interior feels quite polished and new. It's worth a visit to see the spectacular baroque golden altar. Apparently, the ...
Historical Building
Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama
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