We’re suckers for a good swashbuckling story—and cement tile, and today we have both for you! Casco Viejo (the Old Quarter), Panama, owes its start to a pirate named Henry Morgan. In typically piratical fashion, Morgan laid waste to the city of Panama Viejo in 1671, looting and destroying it. When the citizens started to rebuild, they chose the a location that would be safer and easier to defend and Casco Viejo was born. In 1997, UNESCO named Casco Viejo, with its stunning 16th- and 17th-century Spanish Colonial architecture, a World Heritage Site. Since then, it has become a destination, drawing visitors from around the world. As is the case with many historic areas around the globe, there’s also an abundance of cement tile, which, since we’re Granada Tile and we love cement tile, we’ll share with you today! Let’s start our tour of Casco Viejo at a small tourist shop, while not exactly a design marvel (although it does feature Panama hats!), the cement floor tile installation is simple and lovely, with a field of green and white squares and stars surrounded by a border with simple circles.
Now this photo isn’t marvelous, we agree, but we thought the tile design was just too interesting to pass up. Melanie and Marcos spied this down a dimly lit corridor. We thought it was stunning. The graceful, feather shapes on the tiles create a dynamic sense of movement on the floor.
There are plenty of more elaborate and traditional tile installations in Casco Viejo. In a small lobby, Melanie and Marcos came across a great tile design in shades of red, green and yellow. Set against the stone walls and classic architectural details, it provides just the right amount of excitement for the space.
For more tile installation photos from Casco Viejo, head over to our historic tile installation page. While you’re at it, check out our Echo Collection‘s interactive catalogue and see similar tile designs perfect for your next kitchen tile or bathroom tile installation. Happy looking! [subscribe2]
