Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama
Casco Viejo
This is the historic district of Panama City. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The name of Casco Viejo means “old town” in Spanish.
It’s located at West end of the city along the bay, and before the entrance to the Panama Canal. The Cinta Costera roadway loops around this historic part of the city out into the bay. The views looking back towards the new Panama City are spectacular from this roadway.
Centenario park
As you walk from the Cinta Costera park from the main part of the city to Casco Viejo, you first enter Quinto Centenario park, which has many beautiful plants and shrubs, including this great bridge arbor, covered with bougainvillea.
The district of Casco Viejo has a very rich history, and you will find many old historic, empty shelled out buildings right next to newly restored buildings.
Churches
There are lots of great historic churches, monuments, plazas, narrow streets, with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Plan on spending the whole day to tour this great old town.
One of the things that caught my eye was the great artwork that is painted on the walls, all throughout Casco Viejo.
The other thing that you notice is that right next to what looks like a bomb-out historic building, there will be a recently restored building. When I asked some of the local residents of this old town why such a contrast in buildings and when will the town be fully restored, I got the answer that the restoration is all part of a twenty-five-year plan.
If I was to choose Panama City to be my new residence, this is the part of the city I would live in. It is very clean, great views, right on the water, lots of restaurants, bars, and easy access to everything else that Panama City has to offer. The only downside is that it is very popular with locals and tourists, so there is always a lot of people, cars, and noise, especially on the weekends. Parking will also be an issue if you own a car.
Next, up will be my blog on the Panama Canal.