This is the old 'Royal Customs House' (Real Aduana de Portobelo) originally built in 1630 to serve as the King's 'counting house' where all of the wealth plundered from the America's was counted, inventoried and stored awaiting a galleon to take it to Spain and add to the King's coffers.

The building has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed variously by invaders and an earthquake. It now houses a small museum consisting mainly of replicas of old weaponry, and some rather bizarre items such as an old Underwood typewriter. There are many nice photographs of the town, forts and main buildings for the history buff.

There is a small display of old robes for the local 'Black Christ', a finely-carved statue of Christ with a cross, located in the church just across the street. This is the subject for the one 'town-party' every year on October 21st when the population grows to 20,000 people in a serious party mood.