| Casco Viejo is located at the mouth of the Panama | | | | 300 years.Up until the early parts of this century, |
| Canal and it is the oldest city on the Pacific Coast of | | | | Casco Viejo remained a thriving cultural center. But as |
| the America: it was there long before the Canal was | | | | Panama City modernized and as the automotive age |
| built. In fairness to history, the original Panama City | | | | made transportation easier, it spread outward, leaving |
| (now known as Old Panama or Panama La Vieja) | | | | Casco Viejo behind. The old city's narrow labyrinth |
| was founded in 1519, about two miles from the center | | | | streets were difficult for cars to maneuver and its |
| of Panama City as we know it today. From here, | | | | buildings were obsolete in comparison to modern |
| expeditions were mounted to conquer the Inca Empire | | | | skyscrapers being built. By the mid 1900s, Casco Viejo |
| of South America and all of the wealth pillaged from | | | | had gone the way of most city centers of that |
| Peru, Chile and California flowed to Spain through Old | | | | century. No longer the center of Panama City, it was |
| Panama. It is no surprise that this booty attracted | | | | too oppressed for the upper class and quickly became |
| pirates like Henry Morgan, who looted the city in | | | | a poor area of tenement-style housing.In 1997, |
| 1671.During Morgan's attack, this original Panama City | | | | UNESCO declared Casco Viejo a Patrimony of |
| was burned to the ground. Two years later, in 1673, | | | | Humanity, a World Heritage site. Today, it is revered as |
| the capital was moved two miles to the west and | | | | the historic center of Panama City. Two- and |
| present-day Panama City was founded. This is the | | | | three-story houses with flower-adorned balconies |
| area now known as Casco Viejo. As the city was | | | | overlook narrow streets. At its tip is French Park, |
| being rebuilt by the Spanish settlers, they decided to | | | | where you will find the French Embassy and a |
| build a massive surrounding wall and a stronger | | | | monument to the hardy French builders who began |
| fortress for its protection and to ensure that the | | | | the Panama Canal. On one side is an historical Spanish |
| enormous wealth in gold and silver that passed through | | | | building called Las Bovedas, now housing an art gallery |
| it would never again be susceptible to the likes of | | | | and French restaurant.Close by is the Museum of |
| Henry Morgan.The new city boasted a | | | | National History and across the way is the National |
| cross-sectioned design of 38 blocks, with three main | | | | Cathedral. Nearby is a small museum dedicated to |
| streets running from east to west and seven streets | | | | religious art, found in the old Santo Domingo |
| running from north to south. Unfortunately, this urban | | | | monastery. This is where you will find the famous Flat |
| development was interrupted by various fires that | | | | Arch, which reportedly helped convince engineers that |
| devastated its streets. In 1737, the "big fire" destroyed | | | | Panama was earthquake-proof and a geologically |
| two thirds of the city and the "small fire" of 1756 | | | | stable area for building the Canal. A few blocks away |
| destroyed more than 90 houses. These and other | | | | is the old San Jose Cathedral, with gleaming spires |
| catastrophic fires help explain why so few true | | | | inlaid with mother-of-pearl and its beautiful gold altar, |
| examples of Spanish colonial architecture exist | | | | intricately carved of wood and gilded with gold. This is |
| today.The fortress still survives, though and today | | | | a must-see when you visit Casco Viejo.To finish off |
| houses several important, cultural and historic buildings | | | | your day in Panama in style, make your way to The |
| and monuments. But it is the architecture of Casco | | | | Bristol Hotel, just a short taxi journey from Casco |
| Viejo that makes it so special. The old Spanish colonial | | | | Viejo. Dining at the Barandas Restaurant at The Bristol |
| style is overlaid with French balconies and architecture, | | | | Hotel is an event to savor. The Panamanian-inspired |
| remnants of the French inhabitants who made the initial | | | | gourmet cuisine, restful ambiance, stunning presentation, |
| attempt to build the Panama Canal in 1881. Over the | | | | elegant settings and attentive service combine to |
| years, a Caribbean influence also took hold and, today, | | | | create an unforgettable dining experience. Make sure |
| Casco Viejo is a melting pot of architectural inspiration | | | | to finish off the day with a drink in the elegant dark |
| and style, with some buildings dating as far back as | | | | wood bar. |