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Panamá Viejo

Panamá Viejo

Panamá Viejo, a historic city outside of Panama City, has had a profound impact on the country's history and culture. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it played a significant role as a hub for trade and commerce as the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. However, in the 17th century, the city was destroyed and abandoned, leaving behind an amazing assemblage of remains that provide a fascinating look into Panama's past.

In this article, we will explore the history, relevance, and cultural value of Panamá Viejo's historic ruins. You will also get to know the ways to reach the ancient place in Panama.

History of the Panamá Viejo

Panamá Viejo was constructed in 1519 by the Spanish adventurer Pedro Arias Dávila as a base for his explorations of the area. As a hub for trade, business, and transportation that connected the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the city swiftly gained importance. On its voyage to Spain, the renowned Spanish treasure ship traveled through the city carrying gold and silver.

African slaves were transported to the city to labor in the mines and on the plantations, making Panamá Viejo another important hub for the slave trade. Native Panamanians, Spaniards, Africans, and other nations coexisted in the city as a melting pot of cultures and people.

When pirates repeatedly attacked and destroyed the city in the 17th century, the city's status started to erode. Henry Morgan, an English pirate, conducted a raid in 1671 that left the city in ruins.

Panamá Viejo in Modern Times

The Panamá Viejo remains are now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and efforts are being made to protect and repair the remaining buildings. A guided tour of the ruins is available for visitors who want to learn more about the city's past and present. The Panamá Viejo Museum, which has displays of the history of the city and objects from the archaeological digs, is also located on the site.

Along with the ruins, the neighborhood has a lot of other tourist attractions, such as dining, shopping, and entertainment. The neighboring Amador Causeway is a well-liked location for jogging, biking, and walking and provides breathtaking views of Panama Bay.

Exploring the Ruins of Panamá Viejo

Today, Panamá Viejo's ruins provide an intriguing look into the past of the city. The city's layout, including its buildings, plazas, and cobblestone streets, can be explored by visitors. The Cathedral of Nuestra Seora de la Asunción, which was the first cathedral on the Pacific coast of the Americas and was erected in 1619, is the most important building in the city. Henry Morgan's attack damaged the cathedral, but the ruins still serve as a reminder of how magnificent the city once was.

The Casa Alarcón, the residence of the Spanish governor, and the Casa de Oidor, the courthouse, are two more notable buildings in the ruins. The ruins of the city's defense walls and towers, which were erected to keep the city safe from pirates and other intruders, are also visible to visitors.

In addition to its historical significance, Panamá Viejo's ruins are noteworthy for their cultural significance. The city was able to rise from the ashes of its devastation and reconstruct itself as a prosperous contemporary nation, making the ruins a representation of Panama's tenacity and power.

How to get to Panamá Viejo

At the northernmost point of the city, 8 kilometers from Casco Viejo, is Panama Viejo. Since there isn't much parking, it's better to take a taxi or an Uber to get there; otherwise, you'll probably have to find a spot far from the gate and walk over there.

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and is closed on Mondays.

Conclusion

A fascinating destination for anyone interested in history and culture are the remains of Panamá Viejo. Exploring the buildings and cobblestone streets can transport tourists back in time to the era of Spanish colonialism and trade. The ruins provide a unique window into the city's past. Given that the city was able to recover after being destroyed, the ruins are also a representation of Panama's tenacity and fortitude. A walk through the historic ruins of Panamá Viejo is an experience you won't soon forget, whether you're a history enthusiast or just seeking for an interesting day excursion.


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Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. Every year, millions of people visit Niagara Falls to see the amazing sights and experience the natural wonders of this world-famous destination.

The History of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has been a tourist destination for centuries. The first person to visit Niagara Falls was Father Louis Hennepin, a French missionary, in 1678. He wrote about the beauty of the falls, which attracted other European explorers and settlers to the area.

In the early 19th century, Niagara Falls became a popular honeymoon destination for American couples. The popularity of the falls as a tourist destination grew throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Different Views of Niagara Falls

There are three different ways to view Niagara Falls: from the Canadian side, from the American side, and from above.

·        The Canadian side offers the best views of Niagara Falls. There are several observation decks, viewing areas, and a boardwalk that takes you right to the edge of the falls. You can also take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which gets you up close and personal with the falls.

·        The American side offers different views of Niagara Falls than what you will see from the Canadian side. The most popular spot to view Niagara Falls on the American side is Goat Island, where you can walk out to the edge of Horseshoe Falls. Another great spot for views is Prospect Point Park, where you can get a bird’s eye view of all three waterfalls.

·        For something truly unique, take a trip aboard the Niagara Gorge Railway and enjoy panoramic views of Niagara Falls from above. It is a great way to see all three waterfalls at once and get an idea of how massive they are.

The Edge of the Niagara Falls

The edge of the falls is the best place to see the power of the water as it tumbles over the precipice. Several observation decks along the Niagara Gorge offer breathtaking views of the falls. The Rainbow Bridge, which spans the gorge just upstream from the falls, is a popular spot for picture-taking and boasts an up-close view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Daredevils of Niagara Falls

Since the early days of Niagara Falls, people have been drawn to its raw power and beauty. Over the years, many have attempted to conquer the falls, often with tragic results. Here are some of the most famous (or infamous) daredevils who have taken on Niagara Falls:

·        Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She did it on her 63rd birthday in 1901 to achieve fame and fortune. Thankfully, she survived the stunt and lived to tell the tale.

·        Bobby Leach was the second person to went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. He did it in 1911 and also survived. Later he performed other stunts, including walking across a tightrope stretched over the falls.

·        Charles Stephens attempted to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1920 but died during the attempt. His body is still missing.

·        Red Hill Sr., along with his son Red Hill Jr., became the first (and only) father and son duet, who went over Niagara Falls together in a barrel. They did it in 1951, and both survived.

·        Nik Wallenda became the first person to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 2012. He completed the stunt, which was televised live around the world.

How to get to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are located on the border between the United States and Canada, so there are a few different ways to reach them depending on your location.

If you are coming from the United States, the easiest way to get to Niagara Falls is by car. Several highways lead right to the falls, and once you cross the border into Canada, signs will point you in the right direction.

If you are coming from Toronto or another Canadian city, you can take a bus or train to Niagara Falls.

Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, there are plenty of ways to get up close and personal with the falls.

·        You can walk along the edges of the waterfall.

·        You can ride an elevator to the top of one of the falls for an incredible view.

·        You can also take a boat tour that takes you right into the spray of the falls.

Travel Guide for Niagara Falls

While planning a trip to Niagara Falls, there are a few things to know before visiting. Here is a travel guide for sightseers that will help you make the most of your trip:

When to Visit: The best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the summer season when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that June through August are also the busiest months at Niagara Falls, so expect large crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for September or October when the weather is still pleasant.

What to See: There is more to see at Niagara Falls than just the falls themselves. Be sure to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour for an up-close look at the powerful falls, and do not forget to visit Goat Island for some fantastic views. For something truly unique, check out 'Journey Behind the Falls', where you can stand inside a cave behind the raging waters of Horseshoe Falls.

What to Do: Other than sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Niagara Falls. Take a walk along one of the many scenic trails, go whitewater rafting or tubing down the rapids, or take a helicopter.

Where to stay when visiting Niagara Falls

The first question you need to ask when trying to find accommodation in Niagara Falls is, how close to the Falls do you want to be?

If your priority is to walk out of your door and see the Falls, then you can stay in hotels like the Niagara Falls Marriott or the Sheraton on the Falls. Both of these come with a high price tag, so if you are looking for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of other hotels located a little further away from the Falls. These hotels will still give you easy access to all the main attractions.

If you are hoping to do some wine touring, then it might be worth considering staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quaint town, situated right in the middle of Ontario's wine country, offers visitors plenty of options for day trips and activities. There are also several good restaurants and cafes, as well as several bed and breakfasts if you are looking for a more intimate accommodation option.

No matter where you choose to stay, there is no doubt that Niagara Falls is an incredible destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders and a must-see for any traveler. With its three massive waterfalls, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world to be visited once in a lifetime. This travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to Niagara Falls, from where to stay and what to do, to how to best experience this natural wonder. So start planning your trip to Niagara Falls today.