The Lost Paradise of Panamá

A boot-shaped peninsula sticks out into the Bay of Panama, and this is where you’ll find The Casco Viejo. The Casco Viejo is a very old section of Panama City, built after Panama Viejo was destroyed in 1671. I had always thought that the the pirate Henry Morgan destroyed Panama City. But one day while in Panama City, I was watching a local TV station and a reporter interviewed a historian at Panama Viejo. She said that the Spaniards burned the city to keep it from the pirates, and many of them were kidnapped and held for ransom.

At the end of this historic area is a large seawall near the French Embassy. When the tide is low, you’ll see kids down below looking for shellfish. I’ve gone out there a time or two myself. This is also near the San Felipe District where there’s a fish market. You’ll know when you’re close because of the smell, and the large black birds.

For more pictures, please visit the Casco Viejo Gallery under PAGES.

The Casco Viejo and seawall

Seawall stairs

Fish market near The Casco Viejo