Fort Amador, Panama City

#27 among attractions in Panama City

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Facts and practical information

Fort Amador: Gateway to the Panama Canal

Nestled at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, Fort Amador stands as a sentinel overlooking the bustling waterway that connects two great oceans. This historic site, situated in Panama City, Panama, is more than just a former military installation; it is a testament to the strategic importance of one of the world's most vital shipping routes.

Constructed in the early 20th century, Fort Amador was originally established by the United States to protect the Panama Canal. Named after Dr. Manuel Amador Guerrero, the first President of Panama, the fort played a crucial role in safeguarding the canal during both World Wars and throughout the Cold War. Its coastal batteries and defense infrastructure were designed to repel any potential threats attempting to disrupt the canal's operations.

Today, Fort Amador has been transformed into a recreational and cultural hub, inviting visitors and locals alike to explore its rich history and enjoy the panoramic views it offers of the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas. The area has been redeveloped to include a marina, restaurants, and a causeway connecting four small islands to the mainland. These islands provide a scenic spot for walking, cycling, and watching ships navigate the canal's entrance.

As a destination, Fort Amador is a blend of leisure and history. The remnants of the old fortifications remind guests of the site's military past, while the contemporary amenities ensure a pleasant visit. Whether it's taking a historical tour, dining with a view of the ships in transit, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the causeway, Fort Amador offers a unique perspective on the Panama Canal and its enduring legacy.

Local name: Fuerte Amador Coordinates: 8°56'17"N, 79°32'52"W

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AmadorPanama City Panama

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Day trips

Fort Amador – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Bridge of the Americas, Biomuseo, Estadio Maracaná, Panama Canal Museum.

1.2 miW
Bridge
Bridge of the Americas, Panama City
30 min walk • Spanning the entrance to the Panama Canal, the Bridge of the Americas stands as an imposing gateway between the Pacific Ocean and the canal, uniting two continents in the bustling city of Panama City, Panama. This vital piece of infrastructure, completed in 1962...
0.5 miSE
Museum, Specialty museum, Science museum
Biomuseo, Panama City
13 min walk • The Biomuseo, located in the vibrant city of Panama City, Panama, is a beacon of biodiversity and a celebration of the country's rich ecological heritage. This stunning museum, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, is his first and only work in Latin America...
0.5 miN
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Estadio Maracaná, Panama City
14 min walk • Maracaná Stadium, located in the heart of Panama City, is a sports icon and an important spot on the map for every football fan in Panama. This modern sports facility, witness to numerous competitions and sporting events, is a place where the passion and energy of...
1.3 miNE
Historical exhibits on the Panama Canal
Panama Canal Museum, Panama City
34 min walk • The Panama Canal Museum is a prominent cultural institution nestled in the heart of Panama City, Panama, dedicated to preserving the history of the Panama Canal. This museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and historical documents that tell the...
1.4 miNE
Concerts and shows, Concert hall, Theater
Teatro Nacional, Panama City
37 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Panama City, the Teatro Nacional stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and artistic expression. This elegant theatre, inaugurated on October 1, 1908, has been a cornerstone of Panama's cultural scene for over a century, showcasing an array of...
1.3 miNE
Church
Iglesia de La Merced, Panama City
33 min walk • The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is a catholic temple located in the Casco Antiguo of Panama City. Initially it was located in the first site of the city, called today Panama Viejo.
1.2 miNE
8°57'2"N • 79°32'11"W
Casco Viejo, Panama City
30 min walk • Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City, Panama, stands as a testament to the country's layered history, Spanish colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, was established...
1.1 miN
Cemetery
Way On Cemetery, Panama City
28 min walk • Way On Cemetery is a burial place in Panama City for the country's Chinese community, many of whose ancestors immigrated during the construction of the Panama Railroad in the mid-nineteenth century. The plot was purchased in 1882 by the Sociedad Way On and designed in accordance with feng shui and numerology traditions.
1.2 miSE
8°55'24"N • 79°32'20"W
Amador Causeway, Panama City
31 min walk • Bridge
1.4 miNE
8°57'12"N • 79°32'1"W
Plaza Bolivar, Panama City
37 min walk • Park
0.8 miN
Canal
Balboa Heights, Panama City
22 min walk • Balboa Heights was more or less part of the Panama Canal township of Balboa, existing on the edge of it towards Ancón, with some of it on the lower slopes of Ancon Hill.