Casco Viejo, Panama Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Casco Antiguo
Historic District of Panama City
Aerial Panorama (Casco Antiguo)
Location of San Felipe(Casco Antiguo) in Panamá province
Casco Antiguo Location in Panama
Country	Panama
Province	Panamá
District	Panamá
City	Panama City
Website	cascoviejo.org

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name: Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá
Type:	Cultural
Criteria:	II, IV, VI
Designated:	1997 (21st session)
Reference #:	790
Extension:	2003
Region:	Latin America and the Caribbean

Casco Antiguo, also called Casco Viejo, means "Old Quarter" in Spanish. It is the historic part of Panama City. This area was built in 1673. It was created after the first Panama City, called Panamá Viejo, was almost completely destroyed. Pirates attacked Panamá Viejo in 1671. Because of its history and beauty, Casco Antiguo became a World Heritage Site in 1997.

History of Casco Antiguo
Main Sights to See
Gallery
See also

History of Casco Antiguo

The first Panama City was started on August 15, 1519. It lasted for 152 years. In January 1671, a pirate named Henry Morgan attacked the city. The governor, Juan Perez de Guzman, ordered the city to be set on fire to prevent the pirates from taking everything.

In 1672, a new city began to be built by Antonio Fernández de Córdoba. This new city, which is now Casco Antiguo, was officially founded on January 21, 1673. It was built on a peninsula, which is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. It also had strong defensive walls. Today, this area still has many of the first important buildings of modern Panama City.

During the 1700s, Casco Antiguo suffered from three big fires. These fires damaged parts of the city and changed its original look. The way the area looks today mostly comes from the late 1800s and early 1900s. This rebuilding allowed for new styles of buildings, like neoclassical and Afro-Antillean designs. These new buildings stand alongside the older colonial ones. This mix makes Casco Antiguo special, different from other old towns that are mostly just colonial in style.

In recent years, Casco Viejo has become a very popular place for tourists. It now has many restaurants, unique hotels, and fun places to visit. Even with all the new businesses, it still keeps its many historical sites for everyone to enjoy.

Main Sights to See

Casco Antiguo is full of interesting places to visit. Here are some of the most important ones:

La Catedral Metropolitana: This is the main Catholic church in Panama City. It is a very important religious building.
El Palacio de las Garzas: This grand building is where the President of Panama works and lives. It is the country's government office.
Church and Convent of San Francisco de Asís: A beautiful old church and its connected monastery.
Church of San José: Known for its famous golden altar.
Church of La Merced: Another historic church in the area.
Church and Convent of Santo Domingo: This site includes the famous Arco Chato, a flat arch that has stood for centuries without support.
Church and convent of the Society of Jesus: Ruins of an old religious complex.
Palacio Municipal: This city hall building dates back to the early 1900s.
Palacio Nacional: Another important national building.
National Theatre of Panama: A beautiful theater where many performances take place.
Panama Canal Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and building of the amazing Panama Canal.
Palacio Bolívar: A historic building named after Simón Bolívar.
Góngora House: An old house with unique architecture.
Plaza Bolívar: A public square named after Simón Bolívar.
Plaza Herrera: Another lively public square.
Plaza de Francia: A plaza that honors the French efforts in building the Panama Canal.
Plaza de la Independencia: This square celebrates Panama's independence.