Panama City

Panama City's story is intertwined with the dreams of conquistadors. In 1519, the Spanish explorer Pedrarias Dávila founded the city as a launching point for expeditions to the Inca Empire. It became a key hub for shipping gold and riches plundered from South America.

In the 17th century, the city faced the threat of pirate raids, most notably from the infamous Henry Morgan, who sacked and burned the original Panama City in 1671.

After its destruction, the city was relocated to its present site, known as Casco Viejo or the Old Town, a beautifully preserved colonial district with charming plazas and historic churches.

During the 19th century, the city played a vital role in the California Gold Rush and the construction of the Panama Railway, which facilitated the movement of people and goods across the isthmus.

In the early 20th century, the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel, was completed, further solidifying the city's position as a global trade hub. The canal's locks, which still operate today, are a testament to human ingenuity.

Modern Panama City is a metropolis where skyscrapers glisten along the waterfront, but the echoes of its colonial past still resonate in the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo.

Source ChatGPT