Colón
2000 cruise port & shopping center
Opened five years ago, the Colón 2000 shopping center
caters to the ever growing number of cruise ship passengers that disembarks
at the port, which is located in the same complex. The center features
dozens of stores, boutiques and souvenir shops offering a large variety
of products and services. Approximately 70 ships call at Colón
2000 each year.
Fort
San Lorenzo ruins
This complex, located on the mouth of the Chagres River
on the Caribbean coast, is one of the oldest Spanish colonial fortifications
in the Americas and was built to protect the old trans-Isthmian roads
used to transport riches to Spain via Panama. The fort was attacked
by English pirate Sir Henry Morgan in 1671 and re-built in 1752.
The
Gatún Locks (Panama Canal)
Located near the Caribbean terminus of the famous waterway,
the Gatún Locks are among Colón’s most important
tourist landmarks. The complex includes a vintage point from which
visitors can see the entire process by which ships are elevated 80
feet above sea level to the level of Gatún Lake.
400-year-old Spanish cannons in Portobelo.
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The
Portobelo Ruins
One of the pillars of Spanish colonial architecture in the
New World, this complex of forts and castles was built to protect
the trans-Isthmian shipment of Peruvian gold to Spain. The ruins are
part of the Historic-Monumental Compound of Portobelo – a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
The
Customs Building (Portobelo)
This recently-restored colonial building was the headquarters
of the Spanish colonial customs offices. Thousands of African slaves
passed through this facility upon arriving in the New World during
the colonial period. The Customs Building is now a museum dedicated
to these Black immigrants, the descendants of whom constitute an important
element of Panamanian culture as well as the greater part of the population
of the province of Colón.
The
Black Christ Museum (Portobelo)
Also restored recently, the old San Juan de Dios (St. John
of God) Catholic Church has been transformed into a museum dedicated
to the Black Christ, the patron saint of Portobelo. It displays the
countless robes and paraphernalia used to clothe and adorn the statue,
which is considered one of the most revered Roman Catholic saints
in Panama.
Portobelo’s
San Felipe Church (Black Christ)
The San Felipe de Portobelo Church harbors the Black Christ,
a baroque-period statute adored by thousands in Panama. Many miracles
are attributed to the saint, who is honored with a grand, popular
celebration on October 21.
Isla
Grande
Located off the coast of Colón, Isla Grande is a
little Caribbean paradise inhabited by a few hundred people of African
descent who enjoy a laid-back, easy-going lifestyle as fishermen.
The island is an ideal spot to relax in a hammock under the shade
of a palm tree or enjoy a lively party on the beach until dawn. Snorkeling,
diving and surfing are excellent at Isla Grande, which is also known
for its delicious Caribbean-style dishes, such as fish, sea food and
rice prepared with coconut milk.
