The Casco Viejo is a must-visit for every ILISA student. For every visitor to Panama for that matter.

The buildings that line the wide, brick street streets of Casco Viejo, many of which have expansive balconies, reflect Panama's rich architectural styles and diverse cultures. The Casco Antiguo or Casco Viejo is the focal point of Panamanian architectural history, with it's picturesque buildings, narrow streets comprised of red bricks, churches, ruins and museums. It is here, together, where the identity of Panama City and it's people is best illustrated.

In order to fully appreciate Casco Viejo one would have to survey hundreds of years, during which time many famous events enjoyed by historical people helped created a somewhat romantic legend. When speaking of Casco Viejo it is important to mention that it was the key of the commercial center for the Americas, and later would create so much interest that a train and interoceanic canal would be added nearby.

Nowadays, Casco Viejo is acknowledged as the city's most recognizable suburb, located in the district of San Felipe. While this historic community has lost it's economic importance with the expansion of Panama City, Casco Viejo continues to appear in songs, poems, videos, television commercials, and other elements of the city's daily life. Moreover, the area now serves as one of the country's most popular tourist attractions, frequented by tourist guides and photographers alike.

The Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan) is without a doubt the most meaningful structure, and best reflects the Spanish presence due to the buildings dimensions and age; the construction of this building lasted more than 108 years. In front of the cathedral is a large park (plaza), in which the community reunited on November 3, 1903 in order to declare it's separation from Columbia. It was at that moment that the Republic of Panama was born, with much euphoria. Surrounding the plaza is the Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal) with it's neoclassical characteristics, which was occupied by the French when they began construction of the Panama Canal; the canal was later completed by the United States. The building is being completely remodeled to house a museum that will more adequately depict the construction, function, importance, and future of the canal.

Other churches and parks (plazas) exist, as in the one dedicated to Liberador Simon Bólivar, which has his statue situated in the center of the park. The Church of San Fransisco (La Iglesia de San Francisco), National Theater (El Teatro Nacional), Hotel Colonial, and Bólivar College (Colegio Bolivar) all illustrate details that call the attention of those visiting the historic area. The surrounding neighborhood contains numerous governmental buildings, in addition to houses of two or three floors with beautifully decorated forged iron balconies.

"El Paseo de las Bóvedas", which is the old Spanish military fort, allowed the youth from the city's most select families to view the afternoon sunsets and meet government officials. Under the Republican Era, the French Park (Plaza de Francia) was constructed, dedicated to the those that explored the route and began construction of the canal. The French flag hangs to the side of the park, in one of the balconies of the French Embassy. As one moves along "Avenida A" you will find the ruins of the "Convento de Santo Domingo" and "Arco Chato", which is constructed of bricks that traverse from one column to another, defying the laws of gravity until recently. The "Plaza Herrera", with the statute of Panamanian heroes, is another site worth visiting. It is located very close to the "Iglesia de San José", with it's famous alter of gold, which helps demonstrate Panama's links with Spanish artists. For tourists, these structures serve as a terrific opportunity to view distinct architecture from different periods.

In the beginning of 1998. Casco Viejo was recognized by UNESCO and the United Nations for Education, Science and Culture as a site of world interest, due to the physical and universal aspects of this historical location. Thus, all of the historical events were are considered by the "Consejo International de Monumentos y Sitios"; this is not a governmental agency but provides advice to UNESCO.

Casco Viejo, perhaps a commercial point in the past, is now becoming a tourist destination for those visiting Panama. Terrific photographic opportunities exist, particularly for those interested in architectural structures.  No wonder ILISA offers a guided visit every week with our history teacher Jorge Salas.