El Casco Viejo in
Panama City Panama
The buildings that
line the wide, brick street streets of Casco Viejo, many of which
have expansive balconies, reflect Panama's rich architectural
styles and diverse cultures. Casco Viejo is the focal point of
Panamanian architectural history, with it's picturesque buildings,
wide streets comprised of red bricks, churches, ruins and museums.
It is here, together, where the identity of Panama City and it's
people is best illustrated.
In order to fully
appreciate Casco Viejo one would have to survey hundreds of years,
during which time many famous events enjoyed by historical
people helped created a somewhat romantic legend. When speaking of
Casco Viejo it is important to mention that it was the key of the
commercial center for the Americas, and later would create so much
interest that a train and interoceanic canal would be added
nearby.
Nowadays, Casco Viejo is acknowledged as the city's most
recognizable suburb, located in the district of San Felipe. While
this historic community has lost it's economic importance with the
expansion of Panama City, Casco Viejo continues to appear in
songs, poems, videos, television commercials, and other elements
of the city's daily life. Moreover, the area now serves as one of
the country's most popular tourist attractions, frequented by
tourist guides and photographers alike.
The Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan) is without a
doubt the most meaningful structure, and best reflects the Spanish
presence due to the buildings dimensions and age; the construction
of this building lasted more than 108 years. In front of the
cathedral is a large park (plaza), in which the community reunited
on November 3, 1903 in order to declare it's separation from
Columbia. It was at that moment that the Republic of Panama was
born, with much euphoria. Surrounding the plaza is the Municipal
Palace (Palacio Municipal) with it's neoclassical characteristics,
which was occupied by the French when they began construction of
the Panama Canal; the canal was later completed by the United
States. The building is being completely remodeled to house a
museum that will more adequately depict the construction,
function, importance, and future of the canal.
Other churches and parks (plazas) exist, as in the one dedicated
to Liberador Simon Bolivar, which has his statue situated in the
center of the park. The Church of San Fransisco (La Iglesia de San
Francisco), National Theater (El Teatro Nacional), Hotel Colonial,
and Bolivar College (Colegio Bolivar) all illustrate details that
call the attention of those visiting the historic area. The
surrounding neighborhood contains numerous governmental buildings,
in addition to houses of two or three floors with beautifully
decorated forged iron balconies.
"El Paseo de las Bovedas", which is the old Spanish military fort,
allowed the youth from the city's most select families to view the
afternoon sunsets and meet government officials. Under the
Republican Era, the French Park (Plaza de Francia) was
constructed, dedicated to the those that explored the route and
began construction of the canal. The French flag hangs to the side
of the park, in one of the balconies of the French Embassy. As one
moves along "Avenida A" you will find the ruins of the "Convento
de Santo Domingo" and "Arco Chato", which is constructed of bricks
that traverse from one column to another, defying the laws of
gravity. The "Plaza Herrera", with the statute of Panamanian
heroes, is another site worth visiting. It is located very close
to the "Iglesia de San Jose", with it's famous alter of gold,
which helps demonstrate Panama's links with Spanish artists. For
tourists, these structures serve as a terrific opportunity to view
distinct architecture from different periods.
In the beginning of 1998. Casco Viejo was recognized by UNESCO and
the United Nations for Education, Science and Culture as a site of
world interest, due to the physical and universal aspects of this
historical location. Thus, all of the historical events were are
considered by the "Consejo International de Monumentos y Sitios";
this is not a governmental agency but provides advice to UNESCO.
Casco Viejo, perhaps a commercial point in the past, is now a
major tourist destination for those visiting Panama. Terrific
photographic opportunities exist, particularly for those
interested in architectural structures. Located just minutes from
downtown Panama City, this historic community is just minutes in a
taxi.
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