Here is some history of Portobello:

The Bay of Portobello was discovered by Christopher Columbus on November 2, 1502 during his fourth trip. Master Juan de Tegjada chose Portobellow in 1586 as the Caribbean transshipment center because of its magnificent harbor and convenient location. Portobello became one of the most important sites for transferring South and Central American riches. From this port, tons of gold and silver flowed to the commercial capital of the Spanish empire. Between 1574 and 1702 forty-five fleets of galleons were sent forth, non of which carried less than thirty million pesos of riches. Ruins of the solid fortification can still be seen today.



The wealth that arrived at Portobello was a strong temptation for pirates like Henry Morgan, who worked the Spanish Main. With an assault troop of 460 men, he managed to take Portobello. The little Spanish troop of defenders took refuge in the castle of San Jeronimo where they put limited resistance and were overcome by Morgan's assault.



While we had a drink at Captain Jack's Restaurant, I saw several hummingbirds have a drink of water at the feeder.



Customs House: This rectangular building of Renaissance style was constructed in 1630. It was used as a merchandise warehouse for trade and as a fiscal office for the Govenor and his royal officials. In 1644 it was damaged by William Kinghill's attack. It was reconstrucgtged in the decade of 1760, and was affected again in 1882 by a strong earthquake that destroyed the archer that faced the sea.



Church of San Felipe de Portobello: This church is home to the Black Christ of Portobello, a wooden statue of Jesus of Nazareth. The statue has become holy and worshipped because of the miracles attributed to it. Every October 21 the festival of the Black Christ of Portobello is celebrated. People walk on their knees as far as Costa Rica to pay their respects.