Panama City’s Casco Viejo

Panama City’s old town or Casco Viejo became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.  This was good for the city because it saved the old town by ensuring codes protected the old buildings.  Many of the buildings still have a long way to go, but the city is off to a good start in restoring the city to its former beauty.  I imagine that some day it may rival Cartagena, Colombia in beauty.

Throughout the old town there are a number of boutique hotels, fine restaurants and coffee shops.

 

 

In the square in front of the cathedral is a market where one can purchase locally made items and souvenirs.

 

At the end of the old town is another market area.

A twenty minute cab ride will take one to Panama Viejo-Old Panama-which is also a UNESCO site.  The photos below are from Old Panama.

The city’s skyline is impressive as well as some of the architecture.

~Bella