
Paseo del Centenario (The Centennial Walk), Colon (must see)
The Centennial Walk, inaugurated on May 1, 1926, stands as a historic promenade in Colón. Its name commemorates the centennial of the Amphictyonic Congress convened by Simón BolÃvar in the Isthmus of Panama, an event that marked a significant effort toward Latin American unity.
The first sections of the Centennial Walk are distinguished by rows of towering royal palms, surrounded by lush greenery, laurels imported from India, and vibrant hibiscus flowers. These carefully manicured gardens create a serene atmosphere, inviting locals and visitors alike to stroll along its paths. Further down the promenade, ficus trees planted in 1940 line the walk, serving not only as natural shade but also as protectors during the Great Fire of April 13, 1940, which devastated parts of Colón.
One of the most iconic landmarks along the Centennial Walk is the Columbus Monument, a bronze sculpture situated between 2nd and 3rd streets. Inaugurated in 1930, the statue, which depicts Christopher Columbus embracing a native woman symbolizing the American continent, is considered one of the most artistically valuable in Panama. Originally commissioned by Empress Eugenia de Montijo of France in 1864, it was intended for Veracruz, Mexico, but was instead sent to Colón. Today, it stands proudly on the Centennial Walk, connecting the historic promenade with Panama's colonial past and the aspirations for unity championed by BolÃvar.
The first sections of the Centennial Walk are distinguished by rows of towering royal palms, surrounded by lush greenery, laurels imported from India, and vibrant hibiscus flowers. These carefully manicured gardens create a serene atmosphere, inviting locals and visitors alike to stroll along its paths. Further down the promenade, ficus trees planted in 1940 line the walk, serving not only as natural shade but also as protectors during the Great Fire of April 13, 1940, which devastated parts of Colón.
One of the most iconic landmarks along the Centennial Walk is the Columbus Monument, a bronze sculpture situated between 2nd and 3rd streets. Inaugurated in 1930, the statue, which depicts Christopher Columbus embracing a native woman symbolizing the American continent, is considered one of the most artistically valuable in Panama. Originally commissioned by Empress Eugenia de Montijo of France in 1864, it was intended for Veracruz, Mexico, but was instead sent to Colón. Today, it stands proudly on the Centennial Walk, connecting the historic promenade with Panama's colonial past and the aspirations for unity championed by BolÃvar.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Colon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Paseo del Centenario (The Centennial Walk) on Map
Sight Name: Paseo del Centenario (The Centennial Walk)
Sight Location: Colon, Panama (See walking tours in Colon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Colon, Panama (See walking tours in Colon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Colon, Panama
Create Your Own Walk in Colon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Colon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colon Introduction Walking Tour
Colón is one of the most fascinating places to explore in Panama—a city where history, culture, and nature intertwine in unexpected ways. Founded in 1850, it quickly became the Atlantic gateway for gold rush travelers headed to California. Later renamed to honor Columbus, the city grew on the swampy ground of Manzanillo Island, battling disease and harsh conditions from the start.
Its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles