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The Triumph Plaza, which is now Plaza Herrera, was first shown in a book by the Swedish naturalist Carl Bovallius, written between 1881 and 1883. This plaza did not exist in colonial times; it was just a block like any other with its buildings. In 1781, a fire destroyed this area and the houses in the San Jose neighborhood were never rebuilt. Cartography from the end of the colonial period shows a vacant lot that looked like a plaza but was not the result of urban development.
The Panama Gazette of February 1887 grants a license to Manuel F. Diaz to establish a bullring that should be located at a distance of at least 500 meters from the Cathedral Plaza. The place should also be close to the tram line, which was still in the planning stage. The Triumph Plaza, like the Plaza Santa Ana that was inaugurated in 1890, would be a bullfighting venue.
Who was Tomas Herrera?
Tomas Jose Ramon del Carmen de Herrera y Perez Davila was a military man and politician from New Granada. In 1821 he entered military service. That same year Panama would achieve independence from Spain, but the country did not feel strong enough to maintain its sovereignty. Therefore, it joined Gran Colombia, which was Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. The last two decided to separate in 1831 to become independent states.
Colombia and Panama would be known as the Republic of New Granada. Panama became a province of Colombia. There were several attempts at separatism. Until General Tomas Herrera separated Panama from the Republic of New Granada on November 18, 1840. This new republic would be known as the Isthmus State, which only lasted thirteen months. Costa Rica was the only country to recognize the Isthmus State in exchange for the return of part of Bocas del Toro.
The New Granada government was busy with the War of the Supremes. After their victory, they organized a military expedition to invade the Isthmus of Panama. On December 31, 1841, they reincorporated the territory of Panama. In 1845, Tomas Herrera was named governor of Panama and then Minister of War and Navy in the government of Jose Hilario Lopez. He was also governor of the province of Cartagena and managed to become a general. He spent the rest of his life at war until he died in battle on December 5, 1854.
From Triumph Plaza to Plaza Herrera
In 1887 the plaza was no longer called Triumph Plaza and became Plaza Herrera. By 1904, Plaza Herrera began to be clearly outlined, as was Plaza Bolivar. Both plazas would be scenic settings for a sculptural monument consecrating the memory of a national hero.
Bullfights would be banned in a program to modernize the country in the first decade of the Republican period. This plaza would continue to be used for bullfights until it was banned.
On November 30, 1928, the equestrian statue dedicated to the great hero of Ayacucho, Tomas Herrera, was inaugurated. At its base there is a glass containing a handful of soil from this field where the Panamanian hero received the rank of captain. The cover that is seen today is the replacement since the original was stolen in 2008. This statue was designed by the French sculptor Augusto Denis at a cost of four thousand balboas and its installation cost a thousand more. It was brought from France. From that time on, Plaza Herrera looks as it does today.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, several buildings were built in Plaza Herrera. The most famous was the La Reformada building, the work of architect Leonardo Villanueva Meyer, who also designed the Plaza of France and the Monumental Complex of Las Bovedas and the Paseo Esteban Huertas. This building, built between 1917 and 1920, was one of the first to have more than four floors.
What can you find in Plaza Herrera?
American Trade Hotel
The old La Reformada building is now the luxurious American Trade Hotel that spans from block to block. Its name comes from the American Trade Developing Company that was located inside. It is still the tallest building in Casco Viejo. It was abandoned before being this hotel, becoming the “Greyskul Castle” full of gangsters. This hotel in Casco Viejo has 50 rooms with colonial charm. Its event space, which used to be the Citibank, can accommodate 350 guests. It also has the Danilo Perez Jazz Club with live music.
The Diamonds Vacation Rentals
The Los Diamantes building is located on the corner of Calle 9 and Avenida A in Plaza Herrera. It is considered an aparthotel with four apartments. The smallest option is a suite with one bedroom with a queen bed. Those who need more space can choose between the apartment with terrace that can accommodate six or seven people or the apartment with ocean view or the deluxe apartment, both with four rooms and capacity for ten people. The building has a small rooftop for the use of guests.
CasaCasco Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars in Casco Viejo are a favorite of tourists and locals alike. CasaCasco Rooftop bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Casco Viejo, Panama City. This building has four floors with the first three being different restaurants. Most people want to go and watch the sunset but it is possible to stay until 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. The lower part of the rooftop has a nightclub. There are plenty of drink options and a food menu.
Blue Moon Tap House
This bar in Casco Viejo is located in Plaza Herrera above Madre Cucina Italiana Restaurant. There is a small terrace in the front with a few tables. The main dining room is quite spacious and has limestone walls. There is another outdoor terrace in the back filled with plants and strings of light bulbs. They sometimes have DJs and entertainment such as dancers. This Denver-born beer is made from Belgian wheat with Valencia orange peel. Blue Moon Tap House Casco Viejo rotates beers, so it’s best to ask what flavors they offer. They also have cocktails and food.
Madre Cucina Italiana Restaurant
This restaurant in Casco Viejo serves Italian food. It is located in the lower part of Blue Moon Tap House. It is a great place to visit as it has outdoor seating overlooking Plaza Herrera. They occasionally have live music in the plaza. They also have indoor seating which is great when it is warm. The decor is very chic with colorful velvet chairs. Pizza is a must in an Italian restaurant and Madre Cucina Italianahas some great options. They also offer pastas, risottos, appetizers and desserts.
Starbucks
This American coffee chain opened its doors in Panama in 2015, making Panama its 67th country of operation. Starbucks Casco Viejo was the franchise’s 16th store in Panama. This neighborhood is packed with tourists who recognize the famous brand. They are located in a narrow building in Plaza Herrera with chairs on the plaza itself. You order inside which has a beautiful tropical mural. Sadly, they do not sell coffee from Panama, even though it is so good.
Banistmo
Banistmo Casco Viejo is located in Casa Lewis on the corner of Calle Novena and Avenida A on Plaza Herrera. It was the first bank in Casco Viejo to open its doors in 2015. Its opening hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
