Introduction

The Panamá Viejo, recognized as a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the remains of the first Spanish settlement established in 1519. It was the initial Spanish city located on the Pacific coastline and was significant in the colonial history of the Americas. The location features remarkable ruins, including the remnants of churches, residential zones, and fortifications that showcase the city’s abundant architectural and cultural legacy. Panamá Viejo was an essential hub for trade and commerce, a passageway for goods moving between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Despite the challenges it faced, Panamá Viejo thrived for years, a testament to its resilience. The city’s decline and eventual desertion in the late 17th century resulted from various difficulties, including assaults from pirates and natural calamities. Today, the archaeological site symbolizes resilience, providing essential information about the early colonial era and highlighting the interconnection between indigenous cultures and European influences. Preservation initiatives protect this historical location, enabling guests to discover its importance in influencing the area’s past and cultural legacy.

Where is the Panamá Viejo located?

The Panamá Viejo is situated on the eastern edge of Panama City, Panama, by the Pacific coast. This location represents the original site of Panama City, established in 1519 by Spanish colonizers. Panamá Viejo was an essential center for commerce and exploration in the early days of Spanish colonization until it was devastated by the pirates in 1671. The remains are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant historical landmark.

Inscription

The Panamá Viejo was designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1997, and its boundaries were notably altered in 2003. This title acknowledges its cultural and historical importance as a critical hub for the Spanish conquest and colonization of the Americas.

Architecture of the Panamá Viejo

In both Panamá Viejo and the Historic District, a remarkable combination of architectural styles from the 16th to the 18th centuries marks an essential phase in the evolution of Spanish colonial society. Panamá Viejo is an outstanding illustration of that era’s architectural style and construction techniques. In the Historic District, houses designed for multiple families that have survived from the 19th and early 20th centuries serve as authentic representations of how society adapted to new demands, technological advancements, and influences stemming from post-colonial society and the construction of the Panama Canal.

Numerous residential architecture from the colonial era, particularly the Casa Góngora from the mid-18th century, along with several hundred homes built between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, demonstrate the evolution of living ideas from the colonial period to the contemporary times. The area includes upper-class houses from various periods, apartment buildings with 2 to 5 floors, and wooden tenement buildings. These were built in the early 20th century to meet the needs of a more divided urban society.

What is the history of Panamá Viejo?

Established in 1519 by the conquistador Pedrarías Dávila, Panamá Viejo is the earliest European to live along the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was organized on a straight-grid layout and signifies the transfer of the concept of a designed town from Europe. It was left vacant in the middle of the 17th century and succeeded by a ‘new town’ (the ‘Historic District’). It has maintained its initial street layout, architectural style, and a distinctive blend of Spanish, French, and early American influences.

Panamá Viejo is a remarkable example of urban planning from its time and cultural context. It demonstrates a significant exchange of human values, as it considerably impacted later advancements in planning colonial Spanish towns, even in regions with vastly different climates and environments. The arrangement of the Historic District showcases the enduring interplay of human values that have focused on interoceanic and intercontinental connections for many centuries at this pivotal location on the Central American Isthmus.

The remains of Panamá Viejo are deeply connected to essential events in history. Panamá Viejo was not just a city but a strategic hub for trade and a vital link for sending gold and other treasures back to Europe. It spread European culture throughout the region and facilitated trade between the Americas and Europe, underscoring its historical significance.

What is the history of the Ruins of Panamá Viejo?

Over its 152 years of history, Panama Viejo has faced several challenges, including a slave rebellion, a fire, and an earthquake. In 1671, it was ultimately destroyed due to a severe pirate attack. After this event, the town was moved to a different location and was never rebuilt. Today, Panamá Viejo still showcases its original layout, which consists of a somewhat uneven and straightforward grid pattern of blocks of different sizes. Archaeological evidence exists of the initial design of streets and the positions of residential, religious, and civic buildings.

The location is a remarkable example of colonial urban design; the remnants of its cathedral, convents, and public structures demonstrate distinctive technological and stylistic features reflective of its historical and cultural setting. It also provides essential insights into different facets of social life, the economy, communication, and the susceptibility of a strategic location amid the geopolitical landscape during the peak of Spanish imperial influence.

Where Panamá Viejo moved to?

The historic area of Panama City, known as Casco Viejo or Casco Antiguo, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the destruction of Panama Viejo by fire, the city relocated to this historic District. In 1673, the town was relocated about 7.5 kilometers southeast to a small piece of land by the water at the base of Ancón Hill. This new spot was closer to the islands that served as the port and near the river that later became the entrance to the Panama Canal.

The moved town, now called Casco Antiguo or the Historic District of Panama, was chosen because it had better access to fresh water and the ability to build strong defenses. The military engineers used the natural landscape to create a wall around the area, which helped stop enemies from approaching by sea. Inside these walls, the town was laid out in a neat grid pattern with a central plaza and streets of various sizes. Outside the walls, the neighborhood of Santa Ana had a more winding and irregular layout.

What is the history of Panama City? What is the Panama City famous for?

Panama City is the oldest European settlement still inhabited on the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was founded in 1519 after the Spanish discovered the South Sea in 1513. The archaeological remains of the original settlement, well-known today as Panamá Viejo, incorporate the remains of the Cuevan indigenous people. This site is a protected heritage area that covers 32 hectares. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Panama City was an important colonial outpost and the Royal Court of Justice seat. Panama became a key hub for travel and trade between continents. The city’s growth is shown in the impressive stone architecture of its public and religious buildings, which benefited from the wealth brought by imperial trade.

What is the famous place in the Panamá Viejo?

Famous places in Panamá Viejo are Churches, the Presidential Palace, the Central Plaza, and the Municipality’s House. The Canal Museum (previously known as the Grand Hotel), National Theatre, Ministry of Government and Justice, and Municipal Palace are notable structures from a more recent era.

Preservation of the Panamá Viejo

Panamá Viejo, the historic site representing the original settlement of Panama City, is a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage. Founded in 1519, Panamá Viejo was one of the first cities established by Europeans on the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was a critical hub for trade and the Spanish colonial empire, making its historical context invaluable. The ruins and structures found in Panamá Viejo are remnants of a significant period in Latin American history.

They showcase architectural styles and urban planning from that era. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Panamá Viejo attracts tourists worldwide. The site provides educational programs and archaeological research opportunities, fostering a greater understanding of the historical context and events that shaped the region. Preserving these sites allows future generations to connect with their cultural roots.

Why should you visit the historic city of the Panamá Viejo as a visitor?

Visiting the historic city of Panamá Viejo is a fascinating experience for several reasons. First, it offers a unique glimpse into Panama’s rich history as the site of the original city, founded in 1519. The ruins represent one of the oldest European communities on the Pacific coast of the Americas, making it a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring Panamá Viejo allows visitors to witness the remnants of colonial architecture, such as the iconic Tower of the Cathedral, which stands as a symbol of the city’s past. The history of piracy, exploration, and the Spanish conquest comes to life as you walk through the stone structures and learn about the events that shaped the region.

Moreover, the site provides beautiful views of Panama City’s modern skyline juxtaposed against the ancient ruins, creating a stunning contrast perfect for photography enthusiasts. There are also informative displays and guided tours that enrich your understanding of the site’s significance. In addition to its historical importance, Panamá Viejo is a peaceful place to stroll, with well-maintained paths and green spaces. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to explore Panama’s unique cultural heritage, Panamá Viejo is worth a visit.