FORT SAN LORENZO

Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO is one of the oldest Spaniard fortresses in America.

Built in 1597, by King Phillip II of Spain, to strategically protect the mainland coasts as a consequence of many attacks from Pirate Francis Drake in the nearby regions, especially the towns of Nombre de Dios and Camino Real. During those days Panama served as a transit point for all the treasures coming from Peru.

In 1671 Admiral Henry Morgan sent 400 men under the command of Pirate Joseph Bradley to take over the fortress in an uncertain and challenging expedition. First Morgan’s men were forced to retreat by the Spaniards, but just when the enterprise was about to lose momentum, one of the Englishmen was able to set fire to the fort, helping them advance, killing the Spaniards and allowing them to take over. Morgan destroyed the fort before his departure.

In 1677 the Spanish rebuilt the fort and restocked it with additional cannons, batteries and barracks.

On March 22nd 1740 English Admiral Edward Vernon, bombarded, captured and demolished Fort San Lorenzo after successfully taking over Portobelo. The fort was bombarded for two days with 210 pound mortars filled with gunpowder, causing major destruction. Admiral Vernon and 120 men took over the fort, and destroyed it later.

What you find today at the grounds of Fort San Lorenzo, are the remains of the last reconstruction by the Spaniards in 1750.

Fort San Lorenzo is 8.6 km driving from Marina Hotel at Shelter Bay. You must enter San Lorenzo National Park; on your way to the fort you will have the opportunity to observe all kinds of wildlife, from sloths to toucans.