A few weeks back, we shared some magnificent cement tile designs that Granada Tile‘s Marcos and Melanie ran across while on a trip to Panama’s Casco Viejo, or Old Quarter, a stunning and recently revitalized district that dates all the way back to the 16th century, when its citizens decided to rebuild after a sacking at the hands of a notorious pirate. The place and the story are too good to leave to just one post, so we thought we’d share a few more stunning tile photos with you. First though, a little context. Over the years, Casco Viejo, Panama, fell into serious disrepair, but with its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the old quarter’s fortunes began to look up. Now, Casco Viejo is the second most popular tourist destination in Panama after the Panama Canal—truly a stunning reversal of fortunes!
The area is now brimming with shops and restaurants, including this charming bar, with a lovely pastel-hued floral pattern cement tile installation. We love the great quatrefoils the tile design forms and the interesting use of the border. Rather than outlining the perimeter of the cement tile installation, the border runs through the design, so the same tile pattern appears on either side of it.
Strolling around Casco Viejo, Panama, there are cement tile installations can be spotted at every turn and behind many doors. A classic star tile design, reminiscent of an American quilt pattern, was behind a worn door. Unsurprisingly, given the durability of cement tile, the concrete tile itself was in much better shape. The lovely three-dimensional border is an elegant touch.
If you’re planning a trip to Casco Viejo, Panama, any time soon, be sure keep an eye out for the stunning cement tile the lines the floors and walls of the Old Quarter. Take photos and share it with us. We’d love to see it.
