Historical Churches Tour (Self Guided), Panama City

Caught between the lush green mountains and the ocean, the capital of Panama is a concentration of colors and styles. The evidence of Spanish influence is still vivid in the colonial landmarks, especially religious sites.

For centuries, colonial religious architecture has played an important role in the configuration of the urban layout of Panama City. By the 17th century, convents had an enormous presence in the center of the city, occupying the interior of the walled enclosures. The Historic District of Panama City was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997 for representing an exceptional example of 17th century colonial urban planning in the Americas.

Most of these religious buildings are of Catholic denomination and designated National Historic Monuments. Particularly noteworthy among them are the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi – originally built in the 17th century and almost destroyed during the fires of 1737 and 1756 – its current edifice dates from 1918, when it was almost completely renovated. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama – a heir to the Cathedral erected by Pope Adrian VI in the great house of the Cacique Cémaco in 1510. Iglesia San Jose (Church of San Jose) was built between 1671 and 1677, and is famous for its baroque altar surrounded by a legend that it was saved from pirates by the monks. Iglesia la Merced (Church of Merced) – its construction dates back to 1680 and is the only church in the Old Town that preserves the original facade from its first construction.

If you would like to explore these and other beautiful old churches of Panama City in more detail, take this self-guided walking tour.