Portobelo, << `pawr` toh BEHL oh >> (pop. 4,559), a village on the Caribbean Coast of Panama, was an important Spanish seaport during the 1600’s and 1700’s. Spanish ships carried treasures from Spain’s American colonies from Portobelo to Spain. English pirates seeking gold and other valuables often attacked Portobelo, which became heavily fortified. The village hosted a busy annual fair. Spaniards founded Portobelo in 1597. Portobelo lost importance as a seaport after the early 1700’s.
