Iglesia San Jose (Church of San Jose), Panama City

One of the most magnificent places to visit in Panama City is the Church of San Jose, located at Avenida A, near Plaza Herrera, Casco Viejo. The main attraction of this church is the seventeenth century Baroque style Golden Altar, Altar de Oro. The altar was originally located in a temple by the similar name, San Jose. After the pirates had burned down the Old Panama city, the altar was relocated to the new place and entirely renovated in 1915. Carved in mahogany, the altar is covered in golden leaf.

There is an interesting story behind the altar which says that when Henry Morgan, the infamous pirate, attacked Panama Viejo, the priest of the church concealed the golden altar by coloring it black. This was done in order to save this valuable object from being looted by the pirate gang. It also seems that the priest had told Henry Morgan that the altar had been stolen by another pirate and even managed to convince Henry to give a handsome donation to replace the supposedly stolen golden artifact.

When you go to the city of Casco Viejo, you must visit the Church of San Jose, to admire the magnificent golden altar.