Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama, Panama

From series “Famous Unesco Sites in North America”

5 out of 15 - Grand Canyon National Park, USA

6 out of 15 - Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza, Mexico

7 out of 15 - Historic District of Old Quebec, Canada

8 out of 15 - Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama, Panama

10 out of 15 - Earliest 16-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl, Mexico

Year: 16th century.

Panama, the capital of the eponymous state, has a picturesque historic district. Panama Viejo is a great old city that was once destroyed by pirates. The city was founded on the Pacific coast as far back as 1517. At that time, it was the utmost European city of the continent. Since its founding, Panama Viejo had a single meaning. It was an important defensive point of the trade route from Peru to the Old World. It was used for transporting precious metals and treasures of the Incas.

Two years after the founding, Panama Viejo gained the status of a city. At that time, the population was about one hundred people. For many years, the city valiantly defended against pirate attacks. Only Henry Morgan managed to conquer it. He captured the Panama Viejo in 1671. The city was completely plundered and destroyed. Today, only preserved ruins of the 15th-16th centuries are reminiscent about the period of prosperity.

However, despite the intervention, some buildings of pre-Columbian period managed to survive quite well. Among them, it’s worth noting several churches and a square tower which is the surviving part of the Catedral Viejo. The old building of the university, as well as the ruins of monasteries and cathedral were also preserved in the historic district. Its deserted streets feature the historical building of the Museum of History that will be interesting to anyone. It is noteworthy that very close to the ruins of the old town there is a new district of the capital. About 8 000 people are living in the immediate vicinity of the unique historical sites.

Next - Independence Hall

Historic District of Old Quebec, Canada

Independence Hall, USA

Back to the start “Famous Unesco Sites in North America”

Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Banco General' located in 1.56 km (

check the route on the map).

Car rental office: 'Ancon Rent a Car' is located in 1.12 km (

on the map).

Fuel station: 'Estacion Texaco Puente Del Rey' in 1.01 km

Supermarket: 'Hermanos Gago' in 0.88 km

Parking: 'Terreno Edificio Estacionamientos Transportes Blindados' in 1.61 km

Apotheek: 'Empresas Metro' in 0.8 km

Police station: 'Sub-Estación de Policía Parque Lefevre' in 1.14 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'Doña Quencha - Nica Food' in 0.82 km

Railway station: 'Corozal Passenger Station' in 9 km

Nearest airports:
» Paitilla Airport PAC - in 8 km

» Tocumen International Airport PTY - in 13 km

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Cities nearby

» Guide to Panama City

» Hotels in Panama City

» Car rent in Panama City

Best hotels near Sitio Arqueologico de Panama Viejo

The Westin Panama

Located in 1 km from Sitio Arqueologico de Panama Viejo
Route on the map:

Rooms: 200

The rooms and suites offer air conditioning, safety box, a desk, flat-screen cable TV, coffee maker and city views. The suites also include minibar, … More: photo, rates and booking

Terra Wind Ocean View Apartment

Located in 2 km from Sitio Arqueologico de Panama Viejo
Route on the map:

Rooms: 3

This apartment offers air conditioning, a sofa, flat-screen cable TV and a terrace with sea views. The kitchen is equipped with stove, microwave and … More: photo, rates and booking

Teus Tower

Located in 3 km from Sitio Arqueologico de Panama Viejo
Route on the map:

Rooms: 1

The 1-bedroom Teus Tower apartment is decorated in an elegant contemporary style and features air conditioning. It has 1 bedroom, a modern bathroom, … More: photo, rates and booking

Trump Tower Apartment

Located in 4 km from Sitio Arqueologico de Panama Viejo
Route on the map:

Rooms: 1

Trump Tower Apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, in addition to a bathroom with a shower and toilet. There is also … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

4 km - F&F Tower

From the series 'Twisted Spiral Buildings and Towers That Are Real'

One of the most amazing and spectacular twisting towers can be seen in the capital of Panama, Panama City. The height of the Revolution Tower is 243 meters, and the angle of its rotation reaches 360 degrees. The construction of the office skyscraper was completed in …

8 km - Albrook Mall

From the series '12 Largest Shopping Centers Worldwide'

Albrook Mall is the space’s leader in the North and South America. It was opened in 2003 and its trading area is near 380 thousand square meters. There you can find over 550 shops. The mall has a very interesting history. It was built at the place of the old useless …

22 km - Panama Canal

From the series 'Greatest Man-Made Waterways and Channels'

The Panama Canal, which is often called the "Bridge of the Americas", is a true masterpiece in an engineering way. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and represents a complicated system of water intake works and locks. Its length is approximately 77 …

26 km - Canopy Tower

From the series 'The World's Highest Observation Decks'

Soberania National Park in Panama features the green hotel Canopy Tower. This is where one of the most famous and attractive panoramic sites in the world can be found. The hotel occupies an old radar tower, which was used by the authorities of the United States to …

306 km - Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

From the series 'Fancy Houses and Hotels Located on Water or Under Water'

Over Water hotels have long been popular with modern tourists, among the most interesting and famous hotels of this category Punta Caracol hotel is especially worth noting. This hotel is located in Panama, on the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. It is a complex of nine …

389 km - Pan American Highway

From the series 'Most Dangerous and Lethal Roads'

The world famous Pan-American Highway passes through the territory of 15 countries and has a length of 48,000 kilometres. It can freely be qualified as the global ‘’road’’ attractions. One of the sections of an extended road also appears in the statistics as …

Top destination around Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama - Panama City

One of the most popular places in the capital is Balboa Avenue, which is sure to surprise visitors with its contrasts and lively atmosphere.
Walking along this avenue, you can admire incredible modern skyscrapers and watch dilapidated boats of local fishermen by the waterfront. On the waterfront, there are several beautiful monuments, a large fountain, and the most popular entertainment venues in the city.

For most tourists, the favorite place for walking is the historic district of Casco Viejo, which, in addition to its old buildings, has one more interesting feature. Facades of many historic buildings are decorated with bright graffiti drawings. Searching for the most incredible artworks makes a walk in the historic district even more fascinating.

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