Panama Viejo
Panamá
Panamá Viejo, also known as Old Panama, is the archaeological site of the original Panama City founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias Dávila. It was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean and served as a crucial hub for Spanish expeditions and the shipment of gold and silver to Spain. The city flourished through the 16th and 17th centuries despite suffering multiple fires, pirate attacks, and an earthquake. In 1671, Welsh privateer Henry Morgan attacked and sacked the city, which was subsequently destroyed by fire and abandoned. The ruins today include remnants of the cathedral, convents, and other colonial structures, offering a vivid glimpse into early colonial urban planning and architecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Panamá Viejo stands as a testament to Panama's colonial past and its strategic importance in the Spanish Empire.
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Tip: Visit Panamá Viejo from Tuesday to Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with the ticket office closing at 4:30 p.m. Children under 6 years old enter free. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance and inquire about guided tours or activities to enrich your visit. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Interesting facts
- •Panamá Viejo is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas.
- •The city was attacked and destroyed by Welsh privateer Henry Morgan in 1671 after a nine-day march through the jungle.
- •The ruins include the remains of the original cathedral, convents, and other colonial buildings.
- •Panamá Viejo was featured as a Pit Stop in the 19th season of The Amazing Race.
- •The site hosts cultural and archaeological activities to promote conservation and education.
History
Founded on August 15, 1519, by Pedro Arias Dávila, Panamá Viejo was the first lasting European city on the Pacific coast.
It quickly became a strategic base for Spanish expeditions to Peru and a key point for shipping precious metals to Spain.
The city endured fires in 1539 and 1563, pirate attacks, and an earthquake in 1620.
Its population grew to around 10,000 by 1670.
In 1671, Henry Morgan's attack led to the city's destruction by fire, prompting the relocation of Panama City a few kilometers west to its current location.
Panamá Viejo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its historical significance.
Place Guide
Cathedral Ruins16th century
The remains of the original Panama Cathedral, destroyed in the 1671 fire, showcase colonial religious architecture and offer panoramic views from the surviving bell tower.
Concepción Nuns' Convent Ruins16th century
These ruins represent the former convent where nuns of the Concepción order lived, reflecting the religious and social fabric of colonial Panama.
Archaeological Site
The broader archaeological area contains foundations and remnants of houses, streets, and public buildings that reveal the layout and daily life of the colonial city.
Contact
Phone: 226-8915
