Panamá Viejo
The ruins of the first European city on the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was burned by the pirate Morgan in 1671, and the cathedral's bell tower still stands by the sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Panamá Viejo, the old city of Panama, was founded in 1519 and was the first city the Spanish established on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Gold and silver from Peru passed through here on their way to Portobelo on the Caribbean side and then on to Spain, which made the city extremely wealthy. In 1671, the English pirate Henry Morgan attacked, and the city was destroyed in the fire. Its residents moved to today's Casco Viejo. The archaeological park preserves the stone remains of the cathedral, a monastery, the town hall and the bishop's palace. The most striking feature is the cathedral's bell tower, about 30 metres high. You can climb to the top for views over the ruins, the bay and the modern skyline in the distance, which makes a striking contrast between old and new. The visitor centre at the entrance has a museum with city models and excavated artifacts. Foreign adults pay about US$15, which includes the museum and bell tower, though prices may vary, so check on site. The site is about 6 km east of the city centre, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by taxi.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 8:30–16:30; closed Mondays (check official announcements)
Nearby sights
- Metropolitan Natural Park
- Mercado de Mariscos
- Palacio de las Garzas
- Casco Viejo
- Plaza de Francia & Las Bóvedas
- Metropolitan Cathedral, Panama City
- Panama Canal Museum
- Museo de la Mola (MUMO)