At the southern end of Casco Viejo, Plaza de Francia commemorates France’s attempt to build the Panama Canal and the people who died during the effort. An obelisk and marble plaques anchor the plaza, with colonial buildings around it and views across the bay toward the Pacific, the Bridge of the Americas and the Amador Causeway. Continue along Esteban Huertas Promenade, which follows the old defensive wall by the sea. The plaza fits naturally into a longer walk through the historic district, with craft and souvenir stalls along the way.
The French canal effort
Plaza de Francia was designed by Leonardo de Villanueva and stands at the southeastern corner of the Casco Viejo peninsula. Its monument honours France’s effort to construct the Panama Canal and the thousands who died in the process.
An obelisk rises above the monument at the plaza’s far end. A dozen marble plaques recount the demanding work. Busts of Ferdinand de Lesseps and his associates face toward the French Embassy, a large pale-blue building north of the plaza.
Along the old sea wall
Esteban Huertas Promenade runs beside the plaza along the wall that once defended the city from pirate attacks. The route follows Casco Viejo’s outer edge where it meets the sea, with views across the bay toward the modern city, the Bridge of the Americas and the Amador Causeway.
The causeway marks the entrance to the canal and the former Canal Zone. From the plaza and promenade, the bay and distant skyline provide a different perspective on Panama City than the narrow streets and colonial architecture of the old district.
A stop on a Casco Viejo walk
The plaza sits close to several historic sites, including the former Supreme Court building. That building now houses the National Institute of Culture and the Anita Villalaz Theater, where performances, concerts and conferences take place during the year. The National Theater is another nearby stop, across from Plaza Bolívar.
A walking route can link Plaza de Francia with other Casco Viejo squares and landmarks, including Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Catedral and Plaza Bolívar. The promenade is a natural continuation from the plaza, following the old wall above the sea before you return to the district’s streets.
FAQ
What does Plaza de Francia commemorate?
It honours the French effort to build the Panama Canal and the thousands who died during the work.
What can you see from Plaza de Francia?
The plaza and nearby Esteban Huertas Promenade look across the bay toward the Bridge of the Americas and the Amador Causeway.
What is near Plaza de Francia?
The French Embassy, Esteban Huertas Promenade and the former Supreme Court building, now home to the National Institute of Culture and Anita Villalaz Theater, are nearby.
