Panama Viejo, the original site of Panama City
Founded in 1519 by Pedro Davila with 100 other citizens, Panama Viejo was the first permanent settlement on the Pacific. It was promoted in 1521 to city status by King Charles V of Spain as it became the starting point for various expeditions and an important base where gold and silver were sent to Spain. By 1610 the city had a population of 5000 with convents, chapels, a hospital and large cathedral. The city suffered several devastating fires, attacks and natural disasters over the course of it's history, many times having to rebuild.
In 1671 the Welsh privateer Henry Morgan attacked and razed the city, destroying it to the ruins that it remains as today. This led to the city center being moved to what is now called Casco Antiguo/Viejo, a point farther west on a peninsula, making it easier to defend.
Today, Panama Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with several structures remaining at minimum, partially intact. The ruins are widely viewed as national treasures and are frequently excavated for artifacts.
Above, a replica of the city circa 1670
Below, what remains today
The Convent of San Francisco
Below, the Cathedral
Below, the Tower, a national icon:
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