Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá
Location: Panama City Panama
Year of Inscription: 1997
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses two distinct areas: the ruins of the original city of Panama, known as Panamá Viejo, and the historic district of Panama City, also known as Casco Viejo. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the American continent and the development of urban planning in the 16th century. It is also an outstanding example of colonial architecture adapted to its natural setting, illustrating the beginnings of the development of the Spanish urban settlement in the New World.
Prominent Features:
History: The original city of Panama was founded in 1519 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. It quickly became an important hub for the transport of gold and silver from South America to Spain. However, the city was destroyed by the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. The new city of Panama was built several kilometers to the west, and the ruins of the old city, Panamá Viejo, were left abandoned for centuries. The historic district of Panama City, also known as Casco Viejo, was built in the 17th and 18th centuries to replace the old city.
Family-Friendly Activities:
Fun Fact: Panama City is home to one of the world's largest financial centers, making it a hub for international trade and commerce.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for the ruins of Panamá Viejo is $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.
The entrance fee for the Museum of History Panama Viejo is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.
How to Reach it: Panama City is easily accessible by air, with flights arriving from major cities around the world. The ruins of Panamá Viejo and the historic district of Panama City are located within the city and can be easily reached by taxi or public transportation.
Where to Stay: There are plenty of accommodation options in Panama City, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some recommended options include the Central Hotel Panama, the American Trade Hotel, and the Waldorf Astoria Panama.
Next Stop: Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo
Year of Inscription: 1997
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses two distinct areas: the ruins of the original city of Panama, known as Panamá Viejo, and the historic district of Panama City, also known as Casco Viejo. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the American continent and the development of urban planning in the 16th century. It is also an outstanding example of colonial architecture adapted to its natural setting, illustrating the beginnings of the development of the Spanish urban settlement in the New World.
Prominent Features:
- The ruins of the original city of Panama, known as Panamá Viejo, including the Cathedral Tower, the Church of the Convent of the Society of Jesus, and the Royal Houses.
- The historic district of Panama City, also known as Casco Viejo, with its narrow streets, colonial buildings, and beautiful squares.
- The Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Church of San Francisco de Asis.
History: The original city of Panama was founded in 1519 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. It quickly became an important hub for the transport of gold and silver from South America to Spain. However, the city was destroyed by the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. The new city of Panama was built several kilometers to the west, and the ruins of the old city, Panamá Viejo, were left abandoned for centuries. The historic district of Panama City, also known as Casco Viejo, was built in the 17th and 18th centuries to replace the old city.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Visit the ruins of Panamá Viejo and explore the history of the original city of Panama.
- Take a walking tour of the historic district of Panama City and discover its beautiful colonial architecture.
- Visit the Museum of History Panama Viejo to learn more about the history of the city.
Fun Fact: Panama City is home to one of the world's largest financial centers, making it a hub for international trade and commerce.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for the ruins of Panamá Viejo is $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.
The entrance fee for the Museum of History Panama Viejo is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.
How to Reach it: Panama City is easily accessible by air, with flights arriving from major cities around the world. The ruins of Panamá Viejo and the historic district of Panama City are located within the city and can be easily reached by taxi or public transportation.
Where to Stay: There are plenty of accommodation options in Panama City, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some recommended options include the Central Hotel Panama, the American Trade Hotel, and the Waldorf Astoria Panama.
Next Stop: Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo