Panama Viejo
Today Panama Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the remains of the original Panama City. Panama City was founded August 15th, 1519 by Pedro Arias Dávila. At that time here were only 100 inhabitants but it was the first permanent settlement on the Pacific Ocean. Shortly after it was settled it became an intrigial starting point for trips to Peru and an important base for gold and silver being sent to Spain.
In 1539 and 1663 considerable portions of the city were destroyed by fires. However, the population continued to increase. By 1610 the population was 5,000 and there were established convents, chapels, a hospital and a cathredral. At the beginning of the 17th century, the city was attacked several times by pirates and indigenous people from Darién. The city was then struck by an earthquake on 2 May 1620. Unfortunatly that wasnt the end of the misfortune. On 21 February 1644, another fire destroyed 83 religious buildings, including the cathedral. At the time of “the great fire” there were 8,000 inhabitants.
Captain Morgan attacked the city and its 10,000 residents on 28 January 1671. His 1,400 men marched from the Carribean coast and proceeded to sack and pillage Panama City. There is debate about who started the fire that destoryed the city but either way a gunpowder explosion destroyed Panama City and thousands of lives were lost.
Panama City was rebuilt were Casco Viejo now lays and the ruins of the once great Panama City are now known as Panama Viejo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the pit stop of the 19th season of The Amazing Race and is a popular tourist destination. For more information about guided tours of Panama Viejo visit http://www.barefootpanama.com/.
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