HISTORIC AND BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES IN PANAMA CITY
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama is located in the Plaza Mayor (or Independence Square), an important square in Casco Viejo, which is also surrounded by the Canal Museum and the Municipal Palace.
The Cathedral was consecrated in 1796, with its construction starting in 1688, meaning it took 108 years before its consecration.
Its exterior beauty holds a Catholic treasure inside. Within it are relics of Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Joselito, and Blessed Dr. José Gregorio.
Its altar is stunning! It was consecrated by Pope Francis on January 26, 2019.
The altar table is made from a single block of Carrara marble and weighs 1,150 kg. On its front, there is a depiction of a pelican feeding its young—a Christian symbol associated with atonement, redemption, and the selflessness of parents for their children.
It also features marble from all over the world, representing the warm welcome Panama has historically extended to people of all nationalities.
Inside this table, four relics were placed, chosen for their connection to Panama: two bone fragments of Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres, a piece of Saint Oscar Romero's cassock, and the fourth, containing the blood of Saint John Paul II, fondly remembered by Panamanians as the first Pope to visit Panama.
Inside the Cathedral, you can also find the chair used by Pope Francis during the altar's consecration ceremony.
St. Joseph Church, is one of the first churches to be built in Casco Viejo, it was originally located in Panamá Viejo. After the destruction of Panamá Viejo, it was rebuilt in Casco Viejo.
This is an Augustinian temple that was reconstructed in the early 20th century.
The church holds one of Panama's greatest colonial treasures: its altar.
The altar is covered in gold. According to legend, a friar submerged the most important parts of the altar in the sea to prevent them from being seized or destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. When Henry Morgan arrived at the church, the friar claimed he needed 1,000 ducats to finish its construction. Moved by the friar's words, Henry Morgan ordered the donation to be made but remarked that the friar was a greater pirate than he was.
Inside the church, there is also a giant nativity scene. We've never seen one of this size, featuring various scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.
This churches deserved to be visited during your stay in Panama City.