In 1673, within two years after the devastating attack by Henry Morgan, Panamá Antigua was relocated west to the present day location of Casco Antiguo. This was done by governor Don Antonio Fernández de Córdoba y Mendoza, on orders of the King of Spain to protect his interests, to what is known today as El Casco Antiguo (also called Casco Viejo) in the district of San Felipe.
From 1673 to 1910 the city suffered many changes and influences of architectural style, although it's remains are predominantly neoclassic. Throughout El Casco Antiguo a variety of styles can be appreciated, primarily Spanish, French and Italian, the latter seen mostly in public buildings.
Towards the beginning of this century the Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri was hired to design and build the Municipal Palace, the Governmental Palace, the Supreme Court and the National Instituto (El Palacio Municipal, El Palacio de Gobiemo y Justicia, La Corte Suprema de Justicia and El Instituto Nacional. All are located in San Felipe with exception of the National Instituto which is further along its perimeter in Santa Ana.
A fine example of Spanish architecture is the Presidential Palace or Presidencia de la Republica which was also known as "the house on the marina" (La Casa de la Marina). The main Moorish style courtyard contains a fountain and is continuously filled with herons to the extent that this palace is also known by the name of its past - El Palacio de Las Garzas.
The National Theater (El Teatro Nacional which previously housed the Old Convent of Nuns, was inaugurated in 1908 with the presentation of Verdi's Opera Aida. The frescoes throughout this building are by the national artist Roberto Lewis and depict the Birth of the Republic, which took place in El Casco Antiguo in 1903.
The Metropolitan Cathedral (La Catedral Metropolitana) on La Plaza Mayor displays two distinct architectural styles - Colonial and Neoclassical and its belfries are covered with Mother of pearl veneer which are said to represent the marine riches of Panama.
There are several museums in the area: the National History Museum, The Soldier's Cape of lndependence, and the Museum of Religious Art (Museo de Historia, La Capa del Soldado de Independencia and the Museo de Arte Religioso). Along A Avenue or Avenida Rodolfo Chiari, the first university of the lsthmus of Panama - La Compañía de Jesus or Universidad Javeriana and the Church of San José can be found, the latter contains Panama's famous golden altar.
Along the coastline of El Casco Antiguo one comes across a beautiful vaulted promenade known as Las Bóvedas. This walkway is divided into three sections: El Paseo General Estéban Huertas the tunnel of the bougainvillea's, La Punta de Chiriquí-the viewing point, and the French Plaza (La Plaza de Francia) -in homage to those who built the Canal. In addition to these monuments - a number of old houses and other attractions can be found in the downtown district. The ancient settlement of Casco Antiguo, now called Casco Viejo, holds a lot of prospect for the real estate industry. A range of sophisticated Panama hotels has cropped up within a span of few years. No wonder, the rich history of this place has contributed to this unprecedented growth.
Suzanne Macguire is an Internet Marketing professional with years of experience in finance, food, Panama hotel, designing, printing & publishing industries.
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