Beginning Sites of the City
Panama Viejo (Old Panama).
The first city, settled in 1519 by
the Spanish, was on Panama’s Pacific coast. In 1671, British pirate, Henry
Morgan, destroyed the city. Ruins can be seen today along the eastern fringes
of the current Panama City. The
ruins of the city was a gateway for gold from the Inca Empire.
The ruins are quite extensive. At
the old tower one can walk upstairs inside for great views. However, the walls
are about five feet thick so it is hard to get close to the window openings.
Casco Viejo
After Panama Viejo was destroyed the
city was rebuilt in 1673 in the area now referred to as El Casco Viejo (The
Old Helmet), also known as Casco Antiguo or the San Felipe
district. A massive wall surrounded El Casco Viejo to protect it from invaders.
In 1997 the area was designated a UNESCO site.
The Old area has newly cobbled brick
streets. A
colonial influence as well as a Spanish one is evidenced by the plentiful iron
grillwork on building balconies. The wrought iron work was created and done
from ballast of old sailing ships.
Plaza de la
Independencia
Panama declared its independence
from Colombia in 1903 at the plaza in the center of Casco Viejo. The plaza
showcased new brick work, and a gazebo. A short brick wall on one side of the
plaza provides seating for the weary or for one to sit and just enjoy the
lovely old architecture and scenery. The
far side of the plaza was lined with souvenir kiosks selling local crafts and
on the far corner across from the plaza was a small souvenir shop.
In addition, The National Cathedral, the San Francisco
de Asis Cathedral and the Presidential Palace are all located in El Casco
Viejo.
San Jose Church
San Jose Church was built soon after the first Spanish settlement in the 16th century. This small church, an almost nondescript building, is located on Avenida A near the corner of Calle 8. The church features the famous Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) that was designed in Baroque style in the 17th century. The Golden Altar actually carved of wood is covered with gold flake. Originally in a church in Old Panama, Jesuits painted the altar black to hide the gold when Henry Morgan attacked the city. Thinking it was worthless, the pirates left it alone. After Morgan sacked and burned Old Panama the Jesuit monks of the Order of St. Augustine moved the altar to the new church and its present location. The altar was renovated in 1915. The inside of the church is welcoming with lovely stain glass windows on each side wall. The wall running the length of the church on the right side of the altar contains several large altar pieces with intricately carved designs. Otherwise there are no statues or icons.
More sites next time
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