Panama City: History Recorded by Relics

Panama City used to be the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. The grid plan adopted for the construction of this city marks the transference from Europe of the idea of a planned town.

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Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo, or the old quarter, is Panama City's historic district. Considered a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, the district dates back to 1673, featuring vibrant plazas and picturesque brick-paved streets surrounded by colorful buildings.

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The historic district offers everything from churches to the national theatre, relics and more. Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis Church, a must-see, boasts an amazing and beautiful altar and interior design. San Jose Church is also worth a visit, with an impressive golden altar. Panamanians believe in the story of the golden altar and love to share it with visitors. In 1671, the English pirate, Henry Morgan, attacked Panama City. To prevent the famous altar from being taken away, the priests painted it with black oil that looked like tar. When the pirates arrived at the church, they were fooled by its shabby look.

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Casco Antiguo is also home to several of the city's top museums. Museo del Canal (The Canal Museum) shows the history of the Panama Canal through images, video, documents and stories about people who helped build it. The Museo de la Mola shows the traditional textile art made by indigenous groups. The museum also carries out interactive workshops.