David, Commercial center in western Panama
David is a major commercial city in western Panama that sits within a basin near the David River. Fruit plantations spread across the surrounding lowlands while mountains rise to the north.
The city was founded in 1738 as a mining settlement and grew from a colonial outpost into Panama's second major urban center. This growth made it a key trading and administrative hub for the region.
The San José Cathedral stands as a central religious monument, featuring a separate bell tower constructed in the late 19th century.
The city sits on the Pan-American Highway and has an international airport, making it easy to reach by land or air. A Pacific port nearby handles cargo and passenger traffic.
The city has preserved leather crafting traditions where local artisans still produce saddles and harnesses using time-honored techniques. This heritage craft sits alongside modern food processing that exports regional agricultural products.
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