An History and Tour of Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama

Walk A Mile In Casco Viejo

Character Abounds In Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo was founded in 1673 after pirate Henry Morgan sacked the original Panama City – Panama Viejo. Casco Viejo is sometimes called Casco Antiguo, and the Colonial Quarter. Walking through this beautiful neighbourhood gives you the feeling you could be in Havana or New Orleans.

When the city was founded, it was built surrounded by a huge stone and brick wall, and parts of it are still standing today. The modern day Casco Viejo is very different than 350 years ago.

Many of the original structures became very run down, but restoration programs are now in place to return some of the buildings back to their original splendor. Though renovations are encouraged by the government, rules are in place to ensure developers do not change the aesthetic history of the neighbourhood. Facades must remain the same, though liberties can be taken with the interiors of the buildings.

Safety is sometimes a concern in Casco Viejo, but there is a large police presence in an attempt to prevent problems for the many tourists that visit Casco. Casco Viejo is located next to one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the city, and some unlucky tourists when not careful, have been victims of thieves and muggers.

More and more foreigners are choosing to live and vacation in Casco Viejo and it is also home to a number of Panamanian politicians and celebrities. The Panamanian Presidential Palace is also located in Casco Viejo, as well as the National Theatre and Canal Museum.

One of the many charms of the neighbourhood is that locals who moved in to some of the abandoned dwellings many years ago, live beside the renovated buildings that house foreigners and dignitaries. Side by side you will see an old, run down building with laundry strung from the about-to-cave-in balcony, and then next to it, a beautifully restored boutique hotel or apartment. Casco Viejo has a lot of charm, where new and old world mix.

If you’re interested in staying a night or longer in the old quarter, Los Cuatro Tulipanes, Boutique Apartments could be your perfect fit: offering luxurious restored apartments, fully equipped with internet, TV, and maid service for less than the price of a hotel room.