Panama City is a port city on the Pacific Ocean and the capital of the Republic of Panama. Casco Viejo is the historic center of the city. This district was built in 1673 and it is full of important architectural buildings – there are historic churches, the National Theatre, Presidential Palace and Museum of the Panama Canal. Plaza de Francia is a charming square located at Casco Viejo, the name of the square commemorates the French participation in the building of the Panama Canal. The obelisk paying tribute to the workers who died during the construction is the focal point of the boulevard. The French Embassy, National Institute of Culture and plenty of souvenir shops, bars and cafes are located nearby. Walkers have a promenade running along the banks at their disposal.