In Search of Golden Nuggets at Casco Viejo’s Trails

On March 22, 2009 I decided to look for gold at Casco Viejo (Old Quarters) like a modern “forty-niner”. For more than four hours I walked through the narrow red brick streets of Casco Viejo with my eyes fixed to the ground looking for that elusive glittering gold.  I was a lucky man.  I found it!

It was a most rewarding experience.  At the end of my search, I had nine pieces of gold in my possession.  “Que c’est beau (how beautiful).” If I feel any better, I’ll feel guilty.

This is what I found that lucky Sunday morning.  Here we go.

The first nugget of gold was the Presidency of the Republic of Panama. A beautiful white building in the best Spanish-Moorish architecture style. It houses the Office of the President of Panama and also serves as his living quarters on the third floor. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

The second golden nugget was the Municipio de Panama Building (City Hall). This is where the Mayor of Panama City meets with the City Council to plan the development of the city. It was built at the turn of the century. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

The third golden nugget is the Teatro Nacional (National Theater). A splendid building following the traditional European theaters architecture styles. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

The fourth golden nugget is a regal restored residential building at Casco Viejo. Next to it is the Instituto Nacional de Cultura Building (National Institute of Culture). (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

The fifth golden nugget is a window of fresh air between a restored residential building and the Instituto Nacional de Cultura. You can almost breathe the fresh air blowing in from the ocean through the open space between the two structures. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

The sixth golden nugget is a completely restored building of Casco Viejo attractively decorated with tropical plants hanging from the balconies. (Credit; Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

The seventh golden nugget is a beautiful restored building following a typical French architecture style. You can almost see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

The eighth golden nugget is the majestic San Francisco de Asís Church. This cathedral was one of the original structures from Casco Viejo. It was ravaged by fire in 1737 and again in 1756. The cathedral was restored in 1998, and is now one of the most striking churches in Panama. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

The ninth and last golden nugget is the golden altar of the San José Church. This gold was saved from the destruction of Panama Viejo by pirate Henry Morgan on January 18, 1671. To save the golden altar, it was covered with mud and fooled the looting pirates. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)

I returned home with my prized possessions in my hand.  I’m so glad I found them so I could share them with you today.  I hope you have enjoyed the sparkle of all nine golden nuggets of Casco Viejo.  Good Day.

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