Panama City, one of the first cities of the Americas in the 1500’s and the launching point for the exploration and conquest of Peru and a transit point for gold and silver headed back to Spain.
We started our day at the ruins of Panama Viejo, the original settlement of the city founded in 1519 but burned down by the Welsh pirate Captain Henry Morgan in 1671. (He of the rum fame). The bell tower was from Panama’s original cathedral.
There were some great views of the new modern city from the top of the tower.
Lots of ruins around the complex and archaeologists are still working on site.
The site resounds to the sound of the birds in the trees.
A large rubber plant with its roots growing from the branches, once they reach the ground they take root and form another branch.
The little museum is full of interesting artefacts found on site
A mango tree – unfortunately not quite ready to eat!
Panama City is certainly a city of two halves, the skyscrapers of downtown juxtaposed with the colonial buildings of Casco Viejo. The Spanish, French and Italian influences are clearly seen and work continues to gradually restore the buildings which have fallen into disrepair.
Some pretty churches too
Some local ladies stitching bags for the tourists
Old ruined cathedral
This is Calle de Sombreros (Hat Street) where you can buy a genuine Panama hat.
Lots of different birds around – black vultures, storks, egrets, pelicans
The Biosphere Museum designed by Frank Gehry
Sunset behind the skyscrapers
