Church of the Mercy

Iglesia de la Merced
Panama City, Panama

This church was transported brick by brick from the ruins of a 16th-century city into Panama City's current historic district.

THIS STUCCO AND STONE EXTERIOR feels visually out of place with its colonial surroundings in Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo neighborhood.

The reason for this is that the church is actually from the much older city of Panama Viejo, and was transported from its ruins.

Located 12 kilometers away from Panama’s historic city center, Panama Viejo is the oldest city established by European settlers in North America, dating back to 1519.

Panama Viejo was destroyed in 1671 during an attack led by the Welsh privateer Henry Morgan.

The population elected to move to the peninsula—the site of the present-day Casco Viejo—to be better fortified from attack.

A baroque facade in a colonial surrounding. The church initially was built in the early 1600's in Panamà Viejo. After Morgan's attack it was moved to Casco Viejo. Personally, I like the interior very much, the relatively small nave and the aisles with several side altars evoke an intimate friendly atmosphere. As we were lucky enough to meet the Ohio-born harpist, we could witness a classical concerto with harmonious acoustics.

Beautiful small church. The outside is under renovation but the inside is amazing. Dark and mostly wood, it has beautiful pews, lifelike statues with hair and clothes. A beautiful nave with a beautiful organ behind.

Church of the Mercy
#CintaCostera

One should go here to see the older history of Panama City. There are cathedrals, museums, and shops catering to locals and tourists. Also. You can find nice places for meals or just a coffee.

Small church with unusual history and an attached museum

Excellent. Jesus blessings can be felt around
The serenity is unmatched.

A new museum since the World Youth Day. A nice experience.

Beautiful! One of the prettiest locations in the city imo.😍

Our Beautiful Lady of Mercy Church, according to records the Order of Mercy in Panama dates from1522, where it served as a resting place for spaniard missionaries. Mass is offerd regularly and in the spanish language. Also there's a museum inside recently opened to the public (due to Covid-19) where you can appreciate aproximately 500 years of history for a low price.

Best Place ever for praying and sharing love to God

Profoundly beautiful. An amazing Church with an incredible history. I am so thankful that it is being restored… a treasure not to be lost. If you visit, you must also see the museum. A wonderful experience.

Beautiful, both inside and outside. Rich history and very well maintained.

This church is old and beautiful. It's a must see ,as a Jewish person the history is great

Beautiful little church. The wood ceiling adds a darker, rich hew to the ambiance. The wood lined entrance adds character.

It was hard to find an open church in Casco Viejo due to renovations at the cathedral and the church of San Francisco. Iglesia La Merced was not only open but beautiful, and seems to have an active parish. Very much worth the visit.

Beautiful cathedral with stunning art. Currently undergoing renovations and restoration, but breath taking nonetheless.

Great place to pray and meditation. Give you an idea of the past.

Inglesia La Merced is a Catholic temple located in the Old Town of Panama City also known as Casco Viejo. Initially it was in the first location of the city, today called Panama Viejo . After the attack of the pirates and consequent destruction of the city, the stone facade of this temple was transferred piece by piece to the new city around 1680. This church is magnificent and beautiful from top to bottom, inside and outside especially after a painstaking restore. You may even catch the occasional organist playing the organ which is sure to make your visit all much more magical!

The church was brought stone by stone from The original site where The first City of Panamá was build in the 1513