Casco Viejo, Panama

Casco Antiguo is the old town or Casco Viejo of Panama City. After the original Panama City (Panama Viejo) was destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1673 the town was relocated. This was the most affluent part of the city for almost 300 years.
Many believe that the area was deserted once the automobile was introduced. This made living here and connecting to downtown more difficult. Another problem was the fact that Casco Viejo bordered the canel zone, which was off limits to Panamians.
The handover of the Panama Canal in 1999 and UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1998 ushered in an era of revitalization by government, entrepreneurs and international organizations.
During its 300 years as the heart of Panamanian life, the peninsula developed a unique legacy of Spanish, French and American colonial, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture. Certain styles, particuarly the narrow 16th through 18th century homes with internal courtyards, are specific to the area. So, while people often refer to Casco Viejo as a “colonial city”, the current city-scape is more dominated by French and Early American architecture, which, UNESCO points out in its justification of World Heritage status, “lends it a special quality that other colonial cities in Latin America lack (with the exception of New Orleans, where the quality of the architecture is markedly inferior).”UNESCO drew a connection between this eclectic collection of architectural styles and Panama’s historical role as a world cross roads, with each style representing a boom in inter-oceanic trade through the Isthmus. This collection of architecture and the people who inhabit it are clear reflections of Panama’s fascinating cultural makeup and an important part of our common heritage.
Though much work is left to be done, the public and private sectors have restored historic buildings that now house government ministries, museums, the Presidential Palace, embassies, churches, as well as some of the City’s finest homes, bars and restaurants. For a more in-depth look at the path of development in Panama City’s old quarter. Casco viejo real estate is one of the best investments you can make. You can find some Casco Viejo properties here.