Casco Viejo, Panama, is Panama City’s historic district, also known as the “Old Quarter” or “Casco Antiguo.” In 1671, Panama’s governor destroyed the original city. He had the city set on fire before it could be plundered by the famous pirate, Captain Henry Morgan. However, the city’s reconstruction began the following year. It was at the peninsula’s end to ensure protection with the surrounding sea and a network of defensive walls. The rebuilt city was settled in 1673, and many of its echoes still permeate this oldest of Panama City’s neighborhoods.

The area continued to have its challenges in the 18th Century, as it was devastated by three large fires. These fires destroyed many of the original structures. This part of Casco Antiguo’s history significantly impacts how we look at its real estate today. While many examples of old colonial architecture exist, Casco Viejo in Panama City includes several other styles. You may also find neo-classical and Afro-Antillean architecture in the area. This diversity of architectural styles makes Casco Antiguo unique among other “old towns” of Central and South America.

History Comes Alive in Casco Viejo, Panama

Casco Viejo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. It is filled with lively plazas dotted amongst neighborhoods of colorful buildings that run along charming brick-paved streets. Walking through Casco Viejo, Panama, is to walk through every chapter of this city’s amazing history. That history comes to life when visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City in Plaza Mayor Casco Viejo’s primary plaza. More religious history can be found at the Church of San Jose, famous for its stunning golden altar.  Plaza de Francia is another beautiful Plaza. It pays homage to the French and their contributions to constructing the Panama Canal. That more modern history is juxtaposed in the same plaza as Las Bóvedas. These were fortifications used during colonial times to defend the city from pirate attacks.

There are also several museums celebrating the unique history of Casco Antiguo.

• Panama Viejo and Plaza Mayor Museum: This museum allows visitors to explore the ruins of the old city plundered by pirates. Climbing to the top of Cathedral Tower provides majestic views of modern Panama City.
• Museo de la Mola: A mola is a brightly colored textile art form that originated with the Kuna people of Panama. The word mola comes from the Kuna word for cloth. This museum has a collection of over 200 molas and explores the garment’s history, preservation, and use.
• Museo del Canal: Learn about the history and construction of the Panama Canal. Eleven rooms take visitors on a historical journey through the canal’s history, which spans from the French’s first efforts to its handover to Panama from the United States.

Casco Antiguo Real Estate is Ideal for Today’s Investors

Recent years have brought gentrification to Casco Viejo, drawing more tourists, restaurants, nightclubs, and boutique hotels. Casco Viejo in Panama City is where old-world charm meets modern amenities. This charming neighborhood is filled with condos offering luxurious amenities and ocean views. Residents also enjoy proximity to dining and shopping. It is also close to the ocean and business districts.

Casco Viejo is genuinely one of Panama’s crown jewels in real estate. Multiple developments are catering to various lifestyles. There are restaurants to feed any palette. There is plenty of shopping to satisfy all your needs. Real estate in Casco Viejo brings all of this to your backyard.

Top Developments in Casco Viejo

Top Developments in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo offers many high-rise units with various amenities and conveniences.

• Santa Familia: This luxury apartment complex lies in the heart of Casco Viejo and offers 55 oceanfront luxury apartments. Santa Familia overlooks the Panama Canal entrance. Residents can enjoy quaint street-level shopping and a rooftop terrace with ocean views. It offers a community that is second to none. The neoclassical buildings, lush tropical palm trees, and extensive landscaping provide comfort and relaxation. With its courtyard, pool, and ocean club, Santa Familia has an air of exclusivity and luxury.
• Casa Antigua Domingo: This stunning development is at the top of Plaza Santa Ana, one of the most beautiful squares in Casco Antiguo. It’s at the center of an up-and-coming neighborhood surrounded by palm trees and near an old church and pavilion.
• Casa Veriedades: This eclectic development was inspired by architectural styles of the last two centuries and by various cultures and political classes. The units take advantage of natural light. It is the perfect residence for people who love fine arts and culture and cherish variety and diversity.
• La Quince of Santa Ana: This cluster of properties was created to revitalize the Santa Ana region and as an option for first-time home buyers. Each building has its unique style and personality, creating various appealing options for home buyers.

A Gastronomical Delight

Restaurants in Casco Viejo are emblematic of Panama City’s rapidly growing food scene. Residents of this neighborhood can enjoy a variety of gastronomical delights.

• Santa Rita: Currently ranked the second-best restaurant in Panama City, Santa Rita serves Spanish-style food in an elegant indoor dining space. Choose from main courses, tapas, or both before moving on to decadent desserts.
• Fonda Lo Que Hay: The menu changes regularly, and it’s commonly included in lists of top places to eat in Panama City. Traditional Panamanian food in a beautiful outdoor setting makes this a must-try place.
• CascoMar: This romantic setting serves Spanish-Mediterranean food with an emphasis on seafood. It has an extensive tapas menu, delicious entrees, and a tropical atmosphere.
• Mahalo Cocina y Jardin: Two Canadian sisters opened this restaurant in 2016 to provide diners with comfort food that was still healthy and satisfying. The eclectic menu offers a delicious variety of seafood, chicken, and beef dinners. The meals are satisfying and won’t make you feel heavier on the way out than when you came in.

Hotel Tantalo Casco Viejo: Stay at the hotel, enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar, and dine on traditional Panamanian food at the downstairs restaurant.

Boutique Shopping at its Best

Some of Panama City’s best shopping is in Casco Viejo. People have dubbed it “the Soho of Latin America,” drawing a comparison to New York City’s Soho area. As Soho is to Manhattan, Casco Viejo is on the cutting edge of culture and fashion in Panama City.

• Avenida Central Pedestrian Mall: The vibe around this walking mall is as much fun as the shopping you do. Imported electronics, fabrics, clothing, and jewelry are all available at this diverse shopping center.
• La Ronda: This shop, housed in a historic building near Plaza Francia, sells molas, carnival masks, wood carvings, paintings, and more.
• Reprosa: If you’re looking for unique, elegant jewelry, this is a store you should check out. Their jewelry is based on reproductions of pre-Columbian gold pieces and Spanish coins. They also carry modern silver designs, Indigenous chaquira beadwork, ocobolo wood carvings, paintings, and molas.

Real estate in Casco Viejo offers unique options combining old-world flavor with modern luxury. It is an incredible place to live and a good investment.

If you want the ideal home in Casco Viejo, The Agency Panama can help you find it. Click here to connect with our team so we can start your search!

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