The most beautiful churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels Panama

In 2018, the Metropolitan Cathedral underwent major restoration work, the results of which are greatly appreciated by visitors and faithful alike. In January 2019, the cathedral hosted the World Youth Day celebrations, during which Pope Francis consecrated the cathedral's renovated altar. It is one of the largest religious buildings in Central America (63 by 33 meters). The very first stone was laid in 1688, but the cathedral was completely destroyed by fire in 1737 while still unfinished. Work resumed ten years later, and was completed in 1762 (the cathedral was consecrated in 1796). The facade, framed by two elegant neoclassical towers, is made of ashlar brought in from Panamá La Vieja, with a color palette ranging from ochre to black-grey, with dark green accents. The bell towers are inlaid with mother-of-pearl shells that glisten in the sunlight, enabling ships to spot the city from the open sea. It is said that a royal ring was cast into the mold of one of the bells, giving it a very special sound... To the right, an underground passageway, now closed, linked the cathedral to the ocean and to several churches and convents. Inside, you can admire the original wooden ceiling, beautiful stained-glass windows and the neoclassical semi-circular altar.

This church still retains its original Baroque façade, built in 1680 from stones salvaged from the former Panamá La Vieja church of the same name. Two massive towers crowned by a dome surround it. Declared a historic monument in 1956, the church has undergone various phases of renovation and now houses a museum with a wealth of religious objects and historical artefacts. The well at the entrance dates back 200 years and bears witness to the ancient underground water reserves that once supplied the town.

Built between 1671 and 1677, the church of San José is famous for its altarpiece covered with gold leaf (Altar de Oro). Legend has it that it was saved from the sacking of Panamá La Vieja by the famous pirate Henry Morgan, thanks to the ingenuity of the monks who hid it by covering it with a mixture of lead carbonate or ceruse... In reality, specialists say that it dates from the 18th century and that the gilding work was completed in 1915. Its baroque details make it one of the most beautiful religious works of the colonial period.