Explore the Skyscraper City of Central America: Where Old Meets New in a Modern Metropolis

Best known as the city that connects two oceans, the spirited capital of Panama City is home to a skyline that rivals many major metropolises worldwide. With over 68 skyscrapers in total, the city has the most skyscrapers in all of Latin America.

The city’s impressive collection of modern architecture reflects
Panama City’
s status as a global hub for trade, finance, and tourism. Straddling the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Panama City stands as a testament to its unique position. This Central American metropolis, where ancient ruins meet modern skyscrapers and rainforest fringes the city, is indelibly shaped by the Panama Canal, its influence woven into the fabric of daily life.

Panama City,

a city of concrete and glass

These buildings showcase different architectural approaches, from the clean and minimalistic look of the JW Marriott Panama to those featuring prominent designs like the distinctive spiral structure of the F&F Tower. This mix of architectural aesthetics lends Panamanian capital a dramatic silhouette, particularly when viewed across the waters of the Bay of Panama.

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A boom in vertical growth

The boom in high-rise building development in Panama City started in the late 20th century.

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and it has persisted without interruption into the 21st century.

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century. Several factors have fueled this rapid vertical expansion, such as the strategic importance of the Panama Canal, a global hub for maritime trade, which has generated significant economic activity and attracted substantial foreign investment.

This influx of capital has spurred the development of commercial and residential real estate, driving the demand for high-rise buildings. Furthermore, Panama’s status as a regional financial centre has contributed to the construction of numerous office towers and corporate headquarters.

The prominent features of the skyline

The skyline of Panama City showcases remarkable architecture, highlighting creative engineering prowess. Notable among these edifices is the F&F Tower (previously known as the Revolution Tower), which distinguishes itself through its unique spiral structure. Adjacent to it, the Vitri Tower adds another layer of contemporary charm with its flowing, sail-inspired shape across 74 stories, embodying an energetic progression in architectural innovation overlooking the bay.

At the same time, the Bicsa Financial Centre asserts itself through its stepped form and varied materials, presenting a classic yet striking appearance, highlighted by its smooth golden panels. In direct opposition to the Pearl’s fluid contours, the Arts Tower provides a strong contrast with its sharp angles, embodying the complex diversity within Panamanian architecture and contributing significantly to the vibrant transformation of Panama City’s skyline.