Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenz
Location: Colon Panama
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(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;
Overview: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo consist of a series of fortifications built by the Spanish Empire during the 17th and 18th centuries to protect the transatlantic trade route. The fortifications are located on either side of the narrow isthmus of Panama and were strategically positioned to defend against attacks from pirates and other European powers. The fortifications include the fortresses of San Lorenzo, San Fernando, San Jerónimo, and Santiago de la Gloria, as well as the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas in Portobelo.
Prominent Features: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo are renowned for their well-preserved military architecture and advanced defensive systems.
History: The fortifications were built by the Spanish Empire in response to the threat of piracy and other European powers attempting to seize control of the transatlantic trade route. They were designed to provide a formidable defense against both land and sea attacks and were considered some of the most advanced military structures of their time. The fortifications played a crucial role in protecting the region until the 19th century when they were gradually abandoned.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama:
Fun Fact: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo were featured in the novel "Captain Blood" by Rafael Sabatini, which tells the story of a fictional English physician who becomes a pirate and participates in the Battle of Porto Bello.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children to visit the Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo.
How to Reach it: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo can be reached by car or bus from Panama City. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
One of the most popular options is to take a bus from the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City to Sabanitas, and then transfer to another bus to Portobelo or San Lorenzo. Buses from Panama City to Sabanitas run regularly throughout the day, with the first bus leaving as early as 5:00 am and the last bus departing at around 9:00 pm. From Sabanitas, you can take a local bus to Portobelo or San Lorenzo, which usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way.
Another option is to take a direct bus from the Gran Terminal de Transporte Nacional in Panama City to Portobelo or Colón, which is the closest major city to San Lorenzo. These buses usually depart every hour or so, and the journey takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic.
If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, you can also hire a private taxi or take a shared shuttle service from Panama City to Portobelo or San Lorenzo. These services can be arranged through tour operators, hotels, or transportation companies, and offer a more direct and hassle-free way to reach the sites. However, they are usually more expensive than taking public transportation.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in the nearby towns of Portobelo and Colón, ranging from budget to luxury options. Some popular choices include El Otro Lado, Hotel Melia Panama Canal, and Casa Congo.
Next Stop: Darien National Park
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(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;
Overview: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo consist of a series of fortifications built by the Spanish Empire during the 17th and 18th centuries to protect the transatlantic trade route. The fortifications are located on either side of the narrow isthmus of Panama and were strategically positioned to defend against attacks from pirates and other European powers. The fortifications include the fortresses of San Lorenzo, San Fernando, San Jerónimo, and Santiago de la Gloria, as well as the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas in Portobelo.
Prominent Features: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo are renowned for their well-preserved military architecture and advanced defensive systems.
- The fortifications were constructed using local coral stone and feature intricate designs such as loopholes, drawbridges, moats, and bastions.
- The Castle of San Felipe de Barajas is particularly notable for its massive walls, underground tunnels, and imposing watchtowers.
History: The fortifications were built by the Spanish Empire in response to the threat of piracy and other European powers attempting to seize control of the transatlantic trade route. They were designed to provide a formidable defense against both land and sea attacks and were considered some of the most advanced military structures of their time. The fortifications played a crucial role in protecting the region until the 19th century when they were gradually abandoned.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama:
- Portobelo-San Lorenzo offer a unique opportunity for families to explore the history and culture of Panama.
- Visitors can take guided tours of the various fortifications, learn about the lives of soldiers stationed there, and witness demonstrations of colonial-era weapons and tactics.
- The nearby beaches of Portobelo and San Lorenzo also offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Fun Fact: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo were featured in the novel "Captain Blood" by Rafael Sabatini, which tells the story of a fictional English physician who becomes a pirate and participates in the Battle of Porto Bello.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children to visit the Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo.
How to Reach it: The Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo can be reached by car or bus from Panama City. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
One of the most popular options is to take a bus from the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City to Sabanitas, and then transfer to another bus to Portobelo or San Lorenzo. Buses from Panama City to Sabanitas run regularly throughout the day, with the first bus leaving as early as 5:00 am and the last bus departing at around 9:00 pm. From Sabanitas, you can take a local bus to Portobelo or San Lorenzo, which usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way.
Another option is to take a direct bus from the Gran Terminal de Transporte Nacional in Panama City to Portobelo or Colón, which is the closest major city to San Lorenzo. These buses usually depart every hour or so, and the journey takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic.
If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, you can also hire a private taxi or take a shared shuttle service from Panama City to Portobelo or San Lorenzo. These services can be arranged through tour operators, hotels, or transportation companies, and offer a more direct and hassle-free way to reach the sites. However, they are usually more expensive than taking public transportation.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in the nearby towns of Portobelo and Colón, ranging from budget to luxury options. Some popular choices include El Otro Lado, Hotel Melia Panama Canal, and Casa Congo.
Next Stop: Darien National Park