Panama Viejo

Panama City was founded over 500 years ago-the first Spanish City on the Pacific coast! All that is left now are these stone ruins. The pirate Henry Morgan burned it down during a battle in 1671. Henry Morgan, his mighty crew, and the King of Spain were all after the gold, silver, and anything else of any value and his plan was to leave nothing behind. They traveled overland, first sacking any of the cities on the Caribbean side and then, trudged through the jungle until he came upon the city. The natives actually did not put up too much of a fight at the last minute. How do I know? I visited the very nice museum that is now located right at the entrance to the ruins that had a great explanation of the city’s past.
This picture is of the cathedral tower that was located in the middle of the town. It was quite a trading center, even back then! There were traders from all over the world including Italy, Spain (of course), and even Asia. The other structures were convents (there were several) and homes of the richer citizens. most of the regular folk and worker’s homes were made of wood and were burned. Right down the road from this site is the site of a slave trading station. I did not make it there because this site comes right up against one of the most crime infested neighborhoods in Panama City so I did not stray too far from the path!

This is the largest cathedrals from one of the convents. They have started, in the last 20 years or so, to really clean up the ruins and build supports for the stones that are wearing. They have built a teak floor in this cathedral, being mindful that it can be removed without hurting any of the original building. They have also built a cover for the roof to help protect it that way as well. During certain times of the year, they have concerts inside. I would have loved to have been able to attend one of those!

This was taken from one of the windows in the cathedral. I love comparing the old and new Panama!

Just another arty picture! Having a little fun!

I took this from up inside the tower. They have rebuilt the stairs inside and you can go all the up to the top! A beautiful view of the city! It was built where it is as a defense for the city. You can see into the jungle and way out to sea from the top. There was also a bell in the tower but is long gone. Too bad it did not do them any good up against Henry Morgan! He took everything except one gold altar. They had painted it brown to look like wood and he overlooked it! It has now been moved to the Gulf side of the country. I loved this picture because it shows just how green this country is. Sometimes, especially out in the country, it looks like the land is covered with a fresh, bright green velvet robe!

We saw these little birds up in the tree eating some lunch! That brown mass is the home for insects and the birds were having a feast! Only one ate at a time-looking out for each other, I think! Maybe they know the story about the pirates too!

Just to prove I was here! There are no ropes, or lawyers in this country so you can actually get up close and personal to the ruins. Pretty fun!
Well, until next time! Hasta Luego!
By the way, it is roaring rain right now! I do mean roaring-my roof is tin!

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