In 1673, within two years after the devastating attack by Henry Morgan, Panamá Antigua was relocated west to the present day location of Casco Antiguo. This was done by governor Don Antonio Fernández de Córdoba y Mendoza, on orders of the King of Spain to protect his interests, to what is known today as El Casco Antiguo (also called Casco Viejo) in the district of San Felipe.
From 1673 to 1910 the city suffered many changes and influences of architectural style, although it's remains are predominantly neoclassic. Throughout El Casco Antiguo a variety of styles can be appreciated, primarily Spanish, French and Italian, the latter seen mostly in public buildings.
Towards the beginning of this century the Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri was hired to design and build the Municipal Palace, the Governmental Palace, the Supreme Court and the National Instituto (El Palacio Municipal, El Palacio de Gobiemo y Justicia, La Corte Suprema de Justicia and El Instituto Nacional. All are located in San Felipe with exception of the National Instituto which is further along its perimeter in Santa Ana.
A fine example of Spanish architecture is the Presidential Palace or Presidencia de la Republica which was also known as |
