Portobelo

Town on the north coast of the republic of Panama, 44 km/27 mi east of Colón and on the Bay of Portobelo; population (1997) 3,300. The town grew up at the end of the overland route from Panamá, and for 200 years, until the 18th century, was the principal Spanish Caribbean port in Central America. Tourism is important.

Peruvian gold and other treasure would be shipped to Panama, brought to Portobelo by mules, then exchanged for European goods brought by sailors of the Spanish Armada. These ‘Fairs’ attracted many pirates, including Francis Drake, and stone fortifications were built to protect Portobelo's harbour. Some ruins remain.

A 17th-century wooden statue, the Black Christ, stands in San Felipe church in the town. Many local legends are attached to the statue and it is focus of an annual festival. Francis Drake died in Portobelo and was buried in a lead-lined coffin in the bay.