Church of Saint Joseph

The Church of Saint Joseph in Panama City was constructed following the destruction of Panama Viejo in 1671 by Pirates under Captain Henry Morgan and the move by the Order of St. Augustine to the new location of Casco Viejo.

The church contains the famous Golden Altar which is considered one of the greatest treasures of Panama.

The altar is made of carved wood and is covered in gold leaf.

Originally this was in a church in Panama Viejo, but when Morgan attacked the city the Jesuits painted the altar black to hide the gold.

This deceived the pirates into thinking it was worthless so was not touched.

The altar was then moved to the new church in the present location.

Both, church and altar are dedicated to St. Joseph.

Nice old church, make sure you go to the room to the right of the altar to see the special exhibits.

Beautiful church in the heart of old town Panama City. Ornate decor. Step into another room and they have setup a large display of biblical towns/villages. A very cool piece of history.

This church is very nice. A lot to see & read here. This place holds some history especially that golden alter.

Beautiful ✝

A must visit. Incredible. Amazing. Divine atmosphere.

Amazing place with long and interesting history, very spiritual and beautiful. Definitely worth to visit if you are in Panama.

This is a beautiful church with a small museum, including an enormous "nativity", telling the full story of Jesus's life.

Lovely place .. peaceful and historical..

This historic treasure was beautiful to see. It is in the heart of Casca Viejo.

This place has amazing history about how they protected the golden altar from captain Morgan and it still keeps many original pieces.

Totally awesome! Worth seeing!
This church is in the old city of Panama. This area is being refurbished and their are many beautiful hotels and old buildings to explore.

Beautiful location and the nativity miniature recreation was wonderful.

Absolutely breathtaking beauty inside. One of the most magnificent old churches I have seen

Beautiful church with an exceptional altars

Great little renaissance get away. Cool environment.

One of the 7 churches of the Casco Viejo riches in culture and history.

This Catholic Church has a splendid baroque altar that absolutely glitters. There are a number of side chapels, each with its own high-relief scene. There is a secondary silver altar to one side that also should not be missed. There’s a small souvenir concession just to the right of the entrance. Don’t forget to remove your hat!

"Church of the Golden Altar" is a must to see in Panama, saved from the pirate Capt Morgan by being painted black is the history I heard growing up in Panama. Don't miss it, one of the high lights along with see the canal locks at Miraflores or Panama Viejo, the old town destroyed by Capt Morgan.

One of Panamá's most visited tourist attractions. Famous for it's Golden altar. Lot of history here. A must see.