Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá

Recognized as the first European settlement on the Pacific Coast, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1519, it was the starting point for many of the explorations that conquered the Inca Empire in Peru and was an important centre on the trade route for gold and silver which was sent to Spain. In the 17th century, fire and an earthquake gutted Panamá Viejo and the residents were forced to relocate at the Historic District of Panamá.