Casco Antiguo / Old Quater
What can you visit on a weekend in the Old Quarter ?
First of all, a bit of the history of the place you are visiting, is the second city of Panama, founded in 1673 after the destruction of the first city known today as "Old Panama", with the attack of the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671 . It is for this reason that the construction of the new City was given as a fortified town with a thick stone walls and seven bastions to protect it from any attempt to pirate attack.
This City is located on the slopes of Cerro Ancon where the residents of that city created a water system. This city's residents were classified by social class and race. For example, The Rich people of the City, living next door to the spaces you'll find in the Old Town or else within the walls of the city. The slaves, Indians and others, would live in the suburbs of the city today, Calidonia, Chorrillo, Maran and part of Santa Ana
In this new City is inside religious buildings, military and civilians which are preserved today and are being restored as they were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Among the churches and religious buildings can include:
Ruins of the Convent of Santo Domingo: It was built in 1678 as one of the most magnificent temples of the city until 1771 when a fire destroyed it. It is known as the "Arco Chato" for its flattened shape that served to sustain the high choir. The Government of Panama in 1983 restored it completely.
Church and Convent of San Francisco: The church was built in 1673, ruined during the fires of 1737 and 1776 to be re-used and refurbished modern. The area of ?Çï?Çïthe convent was occupied by a public school and is also found inside the Bolivarian Hall where they held the Congress led by the distinguished Amphictyonic liberator Simon Bolivar.
Ruins of the Convent of the Society of Jesus: Built in 1749, was destroyed in 1781 when much of the city was affected by fire. It hosts inside the Real y Pontificia Universidad de San Javier until 1767, when King Carlos III decided to expel the Jesuits. Panama's government restored the ruins of the convent in 1983.
Iglesia de la Merced: Built around 1680 still has its original stone fa?ºade of baroque style. Its location is on Central Avenue very close to what was the Puerta de Tierra main access to the City.)
Metropolitan Cathedral: Built between 1688 and 1796 is one of the best examples of colonial religious architecture of Panama. Its main entrance is a stone carved with two lateral towers that house the bells moved from the Old Panama cathedral after the Pirate Morgan destroyed it in 1671.
St Joseph's Church: Built between 1671 and 1677 inside is the famous Golden Altar is an altarpiece Churrigueresque based structured columns and a large fine and decorative richness that makes it appear as an artistic treasure Colonial Panama.
Between civilian and military buildings can include:
City House: Built during the first third of this century, was restored by the Municipality of Panama to represent an excellent example of neoclassical architecture of its time and its interior can be seen on the floor the outline of the colonial wall the city.
National Theatre: It was built between 1905 and 1908 and is part of the architectural ensemble of the National Palace. It was restored by the National Government and is currently operating in the focus of interest of the country's artistic life.
Old City Hall: Construction of Italian neoclassical style. It was built in 1910 replacing the historic Cabildo Colonial where both proclaimed independence from Spain in 1821 as the separation from Colombia in 1903. Inside you will find the History Museum of Panama and the offices of the Academy
National Institute of Culture: Completed in 1931 on part of the original colonial construction of the "Headquarters of Chiriqui." Worked there for a long time the Supreme Court and is now occupied by the National Institute of Culture.
Panama Canal Museum: Built in the mid-nineteenth century "Grand Hotel" and that worked until the earthquake of 1858, which was bought later by the "Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interoceanique" making it their headquarters since 1879. After the U.S. government acquired the rights to sell the French Canal to Panama. This building functioned for several decades the offices of the National Post. Today is the Panama Canal Museum.
National Palace: Built between 1905 and 1908, occupies the site of the old Convent of the Nuns of the Conception. It is an architectural three-storey building is one with the National Theatre.
Vaults: You name given to the colonial military complex was the bastion of Chiriqui important part of the walled city, built during the eighteenth century to house the troops. In 1926 the remains of the fortress, was built the monument to the founders of the French Canal. In 1983 the Government of Panama restored architectural recovering much of its original details and the nine main vaults where they operate art galleries and one of the best French restaurants in Panama.
Presidency of the Republic: Built on the ancient customs of the Pacific, was completely amended in 1922 to suit today's functions, using a type design which works an Andalusian in the Presidency of the Republic, which is accessed through a lobby where they are kept captive egrets permanently for what is also known as the "Palace of the Herons or Palacio de las Garzas.."
