Top 5 Historic Landmarks in Casco Viejo

Top 5 Historic Landmarks in Casco Viejo

Casco Guide Team August 20, 2026
#history#landmarks#top-list

Casco Viejo was built starting in 1673, after Henry Morgan's raid destroyed the original city, and it still reads like an open-air history museum. These five stops are the best on-foot introduction to that story.

  1. 1
    Plaza de la Independencia

    Plaza de la Independencia

    The neighborhood's civic heart, where Panama declared independence from Colombia in 1903. Today it's ringed by the cathedral, city hall, and sidewalk cafés.

    View spot
  2. 2
    Catedral Metropolitana de Panamá

    Catedral Metropolitana de Panamá

    Completed in 1796, it dominates the plaza with twin bell towers inlaid with mother-of-pearl — a project that took over a century to finish.

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  3. 3
    Iglesia de San José (Altar de Oro)

    Iglesia de San José (Altar de Oro)

    Home to the legendary Golden Altar, said to have survived Henry Morgan's raid because a priest disguised it under a coat of black paint.

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  4. 4
    Las Bóvedas

    Las Bóvedas

    Former Spanish dungeons built into the seawall. They now house art galleries and a small plaza with views out over the bay.

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  5. 5
    Palacio de las Garzas

    Palacio de las Garzas

    The Panamanian president's official residence, named for the herons that still roam its Moorish-style inner courtyard.

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Places mentioned

1. San José Church - The Golden Altar2. Santa María la Antigua Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica3. Las Bóvedas4. Independence Square5. Presidential Palace
© OSM
San José Church - The Golden Altar Santa María la Antigua Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica Las Bóvedas Independence Square Presidential Palace