Casco Antiguo is a seaside district in what is now Panama City, located near the Panama Canal area. It was developed in about 1673, two years after pirate (and spiced rum spokesmodel) Henry Morgan laid waste to what had been Panama City and the surviving population were forced to relocate. Casco Antiguo perches upon a low rocky bluff surrounded by reefs and long, shallow shoals – theoretically defending it from further piracy of the nautical kind. For the modern tourist, it is a UNESCO site of centuries-old mansions, churches and government buildings whose architecture shows the influence of the Spanish and French colonialists. At times it feels like you're walking through the French Quarter of New Orleans. Observe:
Casco Antiguo also has lots of buildings that are essentially roofless shells with mildewed facades and jungle vines pushing through cracks. Some areas have so many gutted buildings, it feels like a war zone – and maybe it was, because in 1989 the US invaded Casco Antiguo to capture President Manuel Noriega. I understand shots were fired.
These days, some structures are being rehabilitated and fancy restaurants, wine bars, museums and
musicians are moving in amongst the older residences. Some might call this urban gentrification, but historical architecture is being preserved and people continue to live here so it can't be all bad.
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