Panamá Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Panama, is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas, founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. This historic city, originally a thriving colonial hub, features the ruins of its early stone buildings, including a cathedral, convents, and homes, which reflect its role as a key trading center until its destruction by pirates in 1671. Today, the well-preserved archaeological site offers a glimpse into Panama’s colonial past and its significance in the Spanish exploration of the New World. Visitors can explore the remnants and a museum showcasing artifacts from this pivotal era.

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