Originally built and settled in 1671 after the destruction of Panama Viejo, by Captain Henry Morgan, Casco Viejo Panama was constructed as a walled city on a peninsula off of Panama City to protect its settlers against another siege such as that suffered in Panama Viejo only 8 kilometers away. The number of original building structures which still stand today (in various stages of renovation and disrepair reflect 16th and 17th century Spanish & French Colonial. UNESCO designated Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo) as a World Heritage Site in 2003. What was 10 years ago a 'forgotten neighborhood' and rapidly deteriorating slum of Panama City is now in a state of revitalization. On Sunday, we happened upon a folk dancing event in Plaza Bolivar. When I approached the stage, these little hams jumped into the frame at the end of their performance.
