A Day in Panama City

Casco Viejo is preserved as the conquistadors left it, Casco Viejo vies with Old Havana and Old San Juan in authenticity - but it is beginning to leave the others behind with the restored beautify of its courtyards, tiles and marble that line the cafes, restaurants that occupy these historic structures. Panama City across the bay is transforming itself into a totally unexpected, skyscraper-packed Hong Kong, Casco Viejo is in the process of being restored into the most tastefully attractive are of the city.

Plaza Mayor: also known as Parque Catedral or Plaza de la Independencia, is the main square of Casco Viejo. There is a mix of Spanish and French architecture.

Panamanian independence was declared on this plaza on November 3, 1903 and many important buildings such as the Canal Museum, Municipal Palace, Cathedral Church, and the religious ruins of the Jesuit Church, fringe the plaza.

Compania de Jesus Convent: The Jesuit Convent and its church were built in 1673, before the Spanish banished the Jesuits from the Colonies. In 1781 the complex burned down and was never rebuilt. The site also housed the first university and synagogue of the city.

La Plaza de Francia: The southern tip of Casco Viejo Peninsula is the Plaza de Francia and is home to a large obelisk in honor of the ill-fated Frenchmen, who, under Ferdinand De Lesseps, started the arduous task of building a sea level Canal in 1880.

Surrounding the obelisk is an arcade of marble plaques ornately carved with the story of the valiant French effort. This is also the current location of the French Embassy, the Instituto Nacional de Cultura and the Las Bovedas Restaurant.

Paseo Las Bovedas: wrapping around the French Plaza and the Institute of Culture is Paseo Las Bovedas (Promenade of Vaults) that offers couples and tourists a charming stroll on top of the Old Spanish seawall. An excellent view of the Panama City skyline, the ships cued for their turn through the Canal, and the Bridge of the Americas can be seen on this walkway.

Arco Chato: Built in 1678, Arco Chato (The Flat Arch) played a deciding factor in Panama's history and the construction of the Panama Canal. Spanning some 50 ft, Arco Chato was an architectural marvel for the fact that it resisted earthquakes and storms with no support other than its terminal arches. Logic reasoned that if the brick could withstand nearly 200 years with no visible means of support, then there was no real threat to constructing a lock-style canal. Ironically enough, in 2003, fireworks celebrating Panama's Centennial brought down most of what was left of the then 300 plus - year old arch.

Presidential Palace: Constructed in the old Customs Building, the structure was restored in 1922. Herons live inside the lobby of the entrance and contribute to its name, Palace of the Herons.

Plaza Santa Ana: Santa Ana at mid-morning is the heart of popular commerce; there is life in every corner where almost everything imaginable is for sale: cell phones, fruits, grains, incense, bottles of medicinal medicine that promise "to make you rich," inflatable toys and religious paraphernalia. Cafe Coca Cola, which dates from the early Canal days, is a great local restaurant on the south side of the park that is still a favorite among locals and tourists alike, especially for breakfast.