Plaza de Francia, Casco Viejo
From the plaza where independence was declared to the altar that outlasted a pirate raid — five essential stops for understanding the neighborhood's history.
From the plaza to the rooftop: a morning-to-night plan through the neighborhood, with stops and guides to go deeper at each stretch.
Not every monument celebrates a victory. Some exist to remember what went wrong. Plaza de Francia transforms one of the greatest failures in the history of the Panama Canal into a lookout where memory, ambition, and the Pacific meet face to face.
It was born outside the city walls and grew alongside those who gave life to the historic arrabal. The Church of Santa Ana tells the story of a community that built its own center of faith.
A tunnel of bougainvillea, benches overlooking the bay, and a view where Casco Antiguo meets the modern city. Known as Paseo de los Enamorados, this spot is perfect for a slow walk, sharing a raspado, and letting the sunset do the rest.
The ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent and the Flat Arch preserve the remains of an old colonial church and a structure tied to one of the most curious stories behind the construction of the Panama Canal.
At this theater, the show begins before the curtain ever rises. Just look up: frescoes, gilded details, balconies, and a monumental chandelier turn the National Theatre into a stage where even the building seems ready to perform.
What secrets does the tallest bell tower in Casco Antiguo hold? Overlooking Plaza Bolívar, St. Francis of Assisi Church brings together centuries of history, architecture, and religious art.
