Casco Antiguo, a listed site on the World Heritage, is a fort city developed as Spanish settlement in late 17th century. Centered on the main plaza, situated are historically and administratively important buildings such as the Presidential Office and Cathedral. Regarding the conservation of this historic quarters, the Institute, in collaboration with the government of Panama, carries out various programs as follows: the basic survey for drawing a master conservation plan; survey on countermeasure for stone deterioration; restoration and conservation planning of wooden structures; and thus aiming at transfer of techniques for conservation and restoration of cultural properties and training of personnel.

Casco Antiguo, Historic district in Panama City

In accordance with the Agreement between the Instituto Nacional de Cultura and NRICP signed in 2002, a joint project for conservation of the historic district "Casco Antiguo" in Panama City is now under way. Inviting a Panamanian expert to Japan, we conducted an introduction of principles and methods of Japanese Wooden architectural conservation, while 3D measurement of the facade of Mercede church and survey for the restoration of it were carried out in Panama City.

We also co-organized an international workshop with the participation of Asian and Central American experts on urban conservation to benefit the capacity building of the experts as well as to enhance public awareness of conservation in Panama.

Facade of Mercede Church, Panama City

International Seminar on Urban Conservation "World Heritage Cities in
Asia and Latin America", held in Panama