CASCO VIEJO

Reminiscent of the French Quarter of New Orleans or perhaps Havana, Casco Viejo is the oldest city on the Pacific coast of the Americas. At the mouth of the Panama Canal, just minutes outside Panama City, the city is a true cultural gem.

When the French made their attempt to build the Panama Canal in 1881, Casco Viejo was where they hung their hangout. So Casco Viejo is filled with French balconies and French architecture which overlaps the Spanish architecture. The Caribbean vibe crept in over the years, making this one of the most interesting architectural and cultural sites in the world.For those seeking a unique, romantic lifestyle or who have a passion for historic architecture and renovations, Casco Viejo is the spot.

To walk through Casco Viejo is to stroll through history. Buildings sitting side by side can be over three hundred years apart in age. Amazingly, nothing seems to clash, despite a wide variety of styles and levels of income. Laundry hands over ramshackle railings, iron balconies have geraniums, potted plants and bougainvillea vines.

The buildings that line the wide, brick streets of Casco Viejo, many of which have expansive balconies, reflect Panama's rich architectural styles and diverse cultures. Casco Viejo is the focal point of Panamanian architectural history, with its picturesque buildings, wide streets comprised of red bricks, churches, ruins and museums. It is here, together, where the identity of Panama City and it's people is best illustrated.

In 1998, Casco Viejo was recognized by UNESCO and the United Nations for Education, Science and Culture as a site of world interest, due to the physical and universal aspects of this historical location. Thus, all of the historical events were considered by the "Consejo International de Monumentos y Sitios"; this is not a governmental agency but provides advice to UNESCO. Casco Viejo, perhaps a commercial point in the past, is now a major tourist destination for those visiting Panama. Terrific photographic opportunities exist, particularly for those interested in architectural structures. Located just minutes from downtown Panama City, this historic community is just minutes in a taxi.

These days Casco Viejo is vibrant with restaurants, highly recommended clubs, bars for a fun or romantic night out. During the daytime visitors can walk arpund the brick paved roads and observe historic buildings and perhaps, if you are lucky, you will get to see the presidential motorcade bringing the President or other dignataries that regularly arrive in Panama for official business. The place is full of memories that, with the help of a tour guide, you will be able to experience. Remember this is place where the rich and powerful used to live and where the history of Panama was executed for the most part of the twentieth century.