Las Bóvedas, Colonial fortification in Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama
Las Bóvedas is a colonial fortification in Casco Viejo composed of seven vaulted stone chambers arranged along a waterfront promenade between two plazas. The structure features thick masonry walls and arched passages that create shaded walkways with views of the bay.
Construction of this fortification was completed in 1672 as part of Panama City's defense against pirate raids. It later served as military barracks and holding cells before being restored and reopened as a public space.
The vaulted structures reflect the area's role as a meeting point between Spanish colonial defense and later French influence during the canal era. Today, the chambers house art galleries and dining venues that draw locals and visitors to experience the waterfront promenade.
The promenade is accessible throughout the day and offers shaded passages that are particularly pleasant during hot hours. Walking here is straightforward and connects naturally to the rest of the historic quarter, making it easy to explore on foot.
A section of the walkway features bougainvillea gardens cascading over the stone walls, displaying vibrant blooms against the gray masonry. From this flowering path, you look directly across the water to the modern city beyond.
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