CATEDRAL METROPOLITANA DE PANAMÁ
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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.
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