Panam City, Medieval ruins in Sonargaon, Bangladesh
Panam City is an ancient settlement in Bangladesh characterized by rows of two-story brick buildings arranged along a main street. The structures blend colonial and local architectural styles, with each building featuring a similar design that reflects a planned layout from the past.
The settlement was founded in the 16th century and later became a major cotton trading center during the British East India Company period. This era shaped much of its architectural character and physical layout.
The buildings display ornate details like cast iron grills and mosaic work that show the wealth of the merchants who once lived here. Walking through the streets, you notice these signs of prosperity still visible in the decorative elements of each structure.
The site is best reached by taking a bus from Dhaka to Mograpara, followed by a short taxi ride to the entrance. Arriving early in the day gives you better light for viewing the buildings and time to walk through the streets at a comfortable pace.
Many of the houses were abandoned in the 1960s when residents left the area, giving the place a frozen quality. This sudden emptying preserved the buildings much as they were, offering a glimpse into how people lived in earlier times.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.