Casco Viejo |
Golden Altar-Church of San Jose |
The area is being restored, but the estimated time to complete the project is as much as ten years, due to the size of the area and the number of structures. We stayed in a restored hotel in Casco Viejo a year ago and enjoyed our visit immensely. The Magnolia Inn http://www.magnoliapanama.com/ was delightful, and its owners are honest, helpful, and hospitable. (Uncompensated plug. They really are wonderful hosts.)
If you are a dreamer like me, you can almost hear the laughter and music of the colonial times, echoing in the narrow streets. It is easy to envision monks and pirates and ladies with long sweeping skirts and lacy fans. Perhaps that is part of the allure of the country, knowing that there is a dramatic past, full of romance and intrigue. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled that they no longer behead people down here. (See Vasco Nunez de Balboa on the Wikipedia website.) That's a little too much drama and intrigue, even for me. I am content to embrace these remnants of the rich history of Panama, and rejoice that they are being preserved and restored.
Interesting
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!
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