When talking about a site that has history, mystery and captivates the imagination of the thousands of visitors who come, Panama La Vieja always comes to mind. Every year it becomes more important to keep the historical memory alive with the aim that the new generations get to know the great country where they live.
World Heritage
Founded in 1519 by Pedrarias Davila, this colonial city was the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific coast of the American continent. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003, it covers 28.5 hectares and is located to the east within modern Panama City. An area with high archaeological value that we must all preserve.
It has ancient constructions of incomparable wealth such as: The Tower of the Cathedral, The Bridge of the King, the Bridge of the Slaughterhouse, Ruins of: The Convents of La Concepcion, San Juan de Dios, San Francisco, La Merced, La Compañia de Jesus, The Cabildo, and others.
Strategic Point for Expeditions
On September 15, 1521, it received the title of City, by means of a royal certificate proclaimed by the monarch Carlos I of Spain. From here, several Spanish expeditions left, including the one that resulted in the conquest of the Inca Empire of Peru in 1532, which allowed
Relevant Trade Route
Old Panama was a communication channel due to its excellent strategic location, since it was a commercial route, which connected directly with the famous Nombre de Dios and Portobelo Fairs in the Atlantic sector. These fairs were the cradle of gold and silver, a product of the exploitation of the Spanish in America who carried these riches from the Pacific coast to Spain.
Invasion and Destruction of Panama La Vieja
The city apparently was not destined to survive in time, since it suffered the devastating consequences of three fires and an earthquake in the year 1621. However, the history of this city would end with the looting of the Pirate Henry Morgan the January 28, 1671. However, Major Juan Perez Guzman orders the evacuation of the city and exploitation of the powder deposits, which resulted in a tragic fire that devastated Panama La Vieja.
