Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Av A)
This church protects the famous Altar de Oro (Golden Altar), the sole relic
salvaged after Henry Morgan sacked Panamá Viejo.
According to local legend, when word came of the pirate's impending attack, a priest
attempted to disguise the altar by painting it black. The priest told Morgan that the fam-
ous altar had been stolen by another pirate, and even convinced Morgan to donate hand-
somely for its replacement. Morgan is said to have told the priest, 'I don't know why, but
I think you are more of a pirate than I am.' Whatever the truth, the baroque altar was
later moved from the old city to the present site.
Teatro Nacional
THEATER
( 262-3525; Av B)
Built in 1907, the interior of this ornate theater has been completely
restored. It boasts red and gold decorations, a once-magnificent ceiling mural by Roberto
Lewis (one of Panama's finest painters) and an impressive crystal chandelier. Perform-
ances are still held here. For information visit the office at the side of the building.
Plaza de Francia
PLAZA
At the tip of the southern point of Casco Viejo, this beautiful plaza pays homage to the
French role in the construction of the canal. Its large stone tablets and statues are dedic-
ated to the memory of the 22,000 workers who died trying to create the canal.
Most of the workers died from yellow fever and malaria. Among the busts is a monu-
ment to the Cuban doctor Carlos J Finlay, whose discovery of how mosquitoes transmit
yellow fever led to the eradication of the disease.
On one side of the plaza are nine restored dungeons that were used by the Spaniards
and later by the Colombians. Although they're now home to some rather upscale art gal-
leries and shops, you can still see the original stonework. Also on the plaza are the Teatro
Anita Villalaz and the Instituto Nacional de Cultura.
Instituto Nacional de Cultura
GALLERY
(INAC; 211-4034; Plaza de Francia; 8:30am-4pm Mon-Fri)
INAC is responsible for main-
taining the country's museums and other cultural institutions. There is a small gallery on
the 1st floor that displays works by Panamanian artists.
Paseo las Bóvedas
LANDMARK
OFFLINE MAP
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