Labrador Park | Southern Region

Information

Landmark: Labrador Park
City: Southern Region
Country: Singapore
Continent: Asia

Labrador Park, Southern Region, Singapore, Asia

Panama Viejo is the original settlement of Panama City, located on the eastern outskirts of the modern metropolitan area in Panama. It comprises the ruins of the first European city founded on the Pacific coast of the Americas.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of stone ruins, primarily constructed from limestone and coral. Visible structures include remnants of walls, arches, and foundations of religious buildings, administrative centers, and residential areas. The main surviving tower is the Bell Tower of the Cathedral, a substantial stone structure. Vegetation, including trees and grasses, has grown over and around many of the ruins.

Location & Access Logistics

Panama Viejo is situated approximately 8 kilometers east of Panama City's central business district. Access is via the Corredor Sur highway, exiting at the "Panama Viejo" sign. Alternatively, local buses on routes serving the East Coast pass by the entrance. Limited parking is available at the main entrance. The site is accessible by foot once inside.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila, Panama Viejo served as a crucial administrative and trade hub for the Spanish Empire in the Americas. It was destroyed by English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. The ruins represent a significant example of early colonial urban planning and architecture in the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the excavated ruins of the Cathedral, the Convent of San Francisco, the Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Royal Houses. A museum on-site displays artifacts recovered from the excavation. Walking tours are available, detailing the history and layout of the original city. Observation from the Bell Tower provides a panoramic view of the site and surrounding modern city.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available near the visitor center. Shaded areas are limited, primarily found within the museum building and some covered sections of the ruins. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are not present within the archaeological site itself, but are located in the vicinity outside the entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is in the morning between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, or in the late afternoon from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, to avoid harsh midday sun and for optimal lighting on the stone structures. The dry season, from December to April, offers the most favorable weather conditions with less rainfall. There are no tide-dependent activities.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical event is the destruction of Panama Viejo by Henry Morgan's forces in 1671, who reportedly set fire to the gunpowder stores, leading to the city's complete devastation. Local lore sometimes speaks of hidden treasures buried by the Spanish before the pirate attack, though none have been officially discovered.