⛪ Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama

About This Sacred Site

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa María La Antigua is the principal Catholic church of Panama, located in the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo (Old Quarter). Built between 1688 and 1796, the cathedral features twin bell towers inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the Pearl Islands. The plaza in front of the cathedral has been a center of Panamanian civic and religious life for over three centuries.

Key Facts

• •Construction took over a century, from 1688 to 1796
• •The twin towers are decorated with mother-of-pearl from the Pearl Islands
• •Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Casco Viejo historic district
• •Built to replace the cathedral lost when Henry Morgan destroyed Panamá Viejo
• •The main altar was brought from the old cathedral before its destruction

Location

Coordinates: 8.9531, -79.5344