Casco Viejo (UNESCO)

The Colonial Heart of Panama

Casco Viejo (also Casco Antiguo or San Felipe) is the historic center of Panama City and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The old town was founded in 1673 after the notorious pirate Henry Morgan burned down the original city (Panamá Viejo, 8 km away). A peninsula was chosen that could be better defended — and today it has become the most atmospheric district in all of Central America.

Today, Casco Viejo is a fascinating mix: pastel-colored colonial houses with wrought-iron balconies stand next to ruins that are slowly and lovingly being restored. In the alleys, boutique hotels, art galleries, jazz clubs, specialty coffee shops, and some of Panama's best restaurants mingle. Gentrification is visible, but the charm and vibrancy remain.

Highlights in Casco Viejo

• Plaza de la Independencia: The central square where Panama declared independence from Colombia in 1903. Surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral (with mother-of-pearl towers) and the Canal Museum.
• Iglesia de San José: The church houses the famous Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) — it allegedly survived Morgan's plundering because a priest covered it with black paint to hide it from the pirates.
• Plaza de Francia: At the southern end of the peninsula, with the monument to the 22,000 French canal workers who died during the first construction attempt. From here, you have the best view of the Amador Causeway and the ships waiting to enter the canal.
• Rooftop Bars: Tantalo Hotel (legendary sunset), CasaCasco (stylish with pool), Amarula (cocktails with skyline view) — Casco Viejo has the best bar scene in Central America.
• Panamá Viejo: The ruins of the original city (founded in 1519, destroyed in 1671) are located 8 km east and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral tower offers a panoramic view.