Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, Panama City

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is a Roman Catholic church, holding an important place in the religious and architectural history of the Old Town. The church stands on land that once formed part of the Franciscan convent complex, closely linked to the intellectual and religious life of colonial Panama. The original structures on this site suffered repeated damage, notably during fires in 1737 and 1756, which affected much of the surrounding area. Over time, the church was rebuilt and altered, with major restoration work completed in 1998, giving it the appearance seen today.

Architecturally, the church is characterized by a solid stone structure typical of early colonial religious buildings. Its interior preserves a strong Baroque influence, particularly in the carved wooden altars. These were produced with the involvement of local Indigenous artisans, working under the supervision of Franciscan monks, reflecting the blending of European religious design with regional craftsmanship.

The main altar, composed of finely carved and painted tropical hardwood elements, stands out as one of the church’s most notable features and an important example of colonial religious art in Panama. While restrained on the exterior, the interior reveals a level of decorative detail that rewards closer attention.