Casco Viejo, Colonial district in San Felipe, Panama
The historic quarter spans 30 blocks with French and Spanish colonial buildings connected by narrow brick-paved streets and shaded plazas.
Founded in 1673 after pirates destroyed the original Panama City, this district served as a fortified settlement protected by defensive walls.
The Metropolitan Cathedral and National Theater present diverse architectural elements incorporating Spanish, French, and Caribbean construction methods from different periods.
Visitors can reach all main monuments within the district on foot, with guided tours starting from Plaza Mayor near the Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Church of San Jose contains a solid gold altar that was saved from the original city by covering it in black paint to deceive pirates.
Location: Panama City
Part of: Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá
Website: https://patronatopanamaviejo.org
GPS coordinates: 8.95250,-79.53500
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:04
Panama features a variety of photographic settings, from the colonial district of Casco Viejo to the fine sandy beaches of the San Blas Islands. Panama City combines historic heritage and modern architecture, including Frank Gehry's Biomuseo and the Miraflores locks that showcase canal engineering. Walks such as Cinta Costera or Amador Causeway offer views over the bay and the city skyline. Beyond the city, the country reveals rich and accessible nature. The Baru volcano rises over 3400 meters in Chiriquí province, while the Bocas del Toro archipelago hosts secluded beaches with turquoise waters. Tropical forests, marine reserves, and mountain trails complete this landscape diversity, making Panama a full photographic destination between the Atlantic and Pacific.
Panama City combines Spanish colonial architecture with modern urban design. Visitors can explore 16th-century ruins at Panama Viejo, walk through Casco Viejo's historic streets, and discover tropical forests at Metropolitan National Park. The city features waterfront boulevards, cultural venues, and architectural landmarks like the Frank Gehry-designed Biodiversity Museum. Urban parks and traditional markets complement the historical sites, while Ancon Hill provides city views.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama
16 m
National Theatre of Panama
214 m
Palacio de las Garzas
178 m
Panama Canal Museum
77 m
Iglesia de San José
166 m
San Felipe, Panama
21 m
Municipal Palace of Panama
67 m
Ministry of Government and Justice
195 m
Panama History Museum
52 m
Museo de la Mola
119 m
Plaza de la Independencia (Panamá)
23 m
Antiguas oficinas de la Estrella de Panamá
175 m
Palacio Presidencial o Palacio de las Garzas
148 m
Casas de San Francisco
176 m
Convento de la Compañía de Jesús
86 m
Casa La Legación
144 m
Mansión Calvo
176 m
Plaza Herrera
202 m
Casa Garay
204 m
Mansión Obarrio
197 m
Casa Góngora
143 m
Oratorio San Felipe Neri
115 m
Casa Testa
95 m
Plaza Bolívar
188 m
Casa Alianza
65 m
Former Hotel Colombia
145 m
Casa Piza y antigua ferretería Lyons
98 m
Former Duque Residence (Casa Art Decó)
159 mReviews
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