Plaza de la Independencia (also called Plaza Mayor or Plaza Catedral) is the historic main square at the center of Casco Viejo. This is the spot where, on November 3, 1903, Panama declared its independence from Colombia — the founding moment of the Republic of Panama. A small plaque on the square marks the location where the declaration was read.
Today the plaza is a leafy, pedestrian-friendly square ringed by some of the most important buildings in the country's civic history. It's the natural starting point for any Casco Viejo walking day — benches under shade trees, street performers on weekends, and the calm pace of a quarter that's been the heart of Panama for over 350 years.
What's Around the Plaza
- Museo del Canal Interoceánico — The Panama Canal Museum on the east side of the plaza, in a beautifully restored 1875 building that once served as headquarters for the failed French canal effort
- Palacio Municipal — Panama City's town hall, originally built in 1910, with a small history museum inside
- Hotel Central — Panama's first grand hotel (1874), restored and reopened, with a rooftop bar overlooking the square
- Shaded benches — A great spot to rest, people-watch, and plan the rest of your walk
Why It Matters
Panama's separation from Colombia in 1903 was triggered in large part by the United States' interest in building the canal — a project Colombia had refused to authorize on US terms. The independence movement was orchestrated quickly and bloodlessly, with the declaration read in this very plaza. Within weeks, Panama signed the canal treaty with the US, and construction began the following year. Standing in this square is standing at the geopolitical pivot point that produced the Panama Canal and the country as it exists today.
Kosher Stops Nearby
All three of Casco Viejo's certified kosher establishments are within a 5-minute walk of the plaza:
- Granclement — Gourmet kosher ice cream and sorbet on Avenida B
- Lula — Israeli steakhouse, a memorable lunch or dinner stop
- Museo Casa Coronel — Cacao and chocolate museum with kosher tastings
Practical Info
- Location: Center of Casco Viejo, Panama City
- Time needed: 15–30 minutes to take in the plaza; 1–2 hours if you visit the Canal Museum
- Cost: Free to visit the plaza
- Wear: Comfortable walking shoes — the streets around the plaza are cobblestone
Plan a Casco Viejo Walking Day
Plaza de la Independencia is the natural starting point. From here you can walk to Plaza Bolívar, Las Bóvedas, and circle back through the kosher stops — an easy 2–3 hour loop. See the full Casco Viejo guide.
More Casco Viejo Landmarks
- Panama Canal Museum — On the east side of this plaza; the canal's full story in a restored 1875 building
- Plaza Bolívar — A few blocks away; site of the 1826 Congress of Panama
- Las Bóvedas & Plaza de Francia — The seaside ramparts at the southern tip with the city's best skyline views
- Full Casco Viejo Guide — Walking-tour overview, kosher stops, and practical info