Arco Chato is one of the most known landmarks in Casco Viejo.  At the corner between A Avenue and 3^rd street, very few tourists that walk by (without a tour guide or a book) would know that we pretty much owe the existence of our Republic to that modest ruin. Originally meant to be a church, the truth is that the building was never completed, as the city went into three terrible fires that wiped out almost 90 % of the existing buildings. But inside, hidden and almost an afterthought, there is a long flat arch (which is the reason we call the site Arco Chato) that changed the history of Panama.  

So it happens that back in the days, when Panama and Nicaragua where fighting over which country should have a Canal built (they are still trying!), a photo of the Panamanian flat arch vs a Nicaraguan volcano (meaning stability, no important natural phenomena’s in the last 200 years vs a country full of active volcanoes) made it easier for the lobbyists to get the deal signed for Panama.  If you are interested in history, I recommend you The Path Between the Seas. I wouldn’t be able to tell the tale in better words. The complete story of how that photo and postcard “conveniently” landed in Congress at the moment of tense discussion is a real treat!

Now, the funny part is that in November 2003, and just after the “Patriotic Holidays” the flat arch finally decided “to take the opportunity” of Panama’s 100^th year anniversary as a Republic… to fall down. A bit as a statement on “you have to be careful” and a lesson on not taking anything for granted, as Panama´s most important icon it almost felt to me that we where neglecting the important over the flashing "party" we were having with the real estate boom and other booms. Needless to say, the entire Panama city freaked out.  Popular pressure made it possible for the Oficina del Casco Antiguo to get adequate funding to restore it (now is back up) , and even continue the restoration works into the convent behind, which they are not only restoring but turning into a local market with spaces for street food, vendors and much more.