Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient

My family and I were exploring Panama City and our driver brought us here. I really enjoyed my visit inside while my family also were in the plaza shopping and buying street food. It's a gorgeous Catholic Basílica with many relics and this place of worship should be respected (obey all rules listed). It has beautiful stained glass windows and many treasures. Enjoy!

This church was built between 1688 and 1794, its main façade presents a series of architectural elements typical of primate churches, such as the Cross of Caravaca, the Papal Emblem and the keys to the city.

The main altarpiece was restored in 2018, as was the painting of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Its altar was probably made in the middle of the 18th century.

The gilding elements correspond to 23-carat gold leaf.

Pope Francis consecrated the altar of the church on January 26, 2019, during the activities of WYD Panama.

At the consecration mass of the altar, the head of the Vatican himself was surprised by the beauty of the temple and thanked all those involved in the magnificent work.

Useful information:

- World Heritage Site
- National hystoric monument
- Business hours: 7:00 a.m./ 7:00 p.m.
- Free entry
- Approximate visit time: 30 minutes onwards
I recommend visiting with proper attire (fresh clothes are allowed)
- Taking photos is allowed
- Take your hat off before entering
No smoking
Don’t talk on the cell phone

The symmetrical Renaissance stone facade of the oldest church in Panama (built 1688–1796) is the optical highlight of the Plaza de la Independencia, opposite of the cathedral's main entrance. Being rebuilt several times various styles prove immanent and form a harmonious whole. Impressive, the massive wooden ceiling. Yet, all dimensions remain tangible and human.

This cathedral is one of the oldest on Panama city. Tickets are not needed for entry but curators do ask for small donations to aid with the upkeep of the building and such.

Located in the independence square across from the Canal Museum.

Beautiful place that is a little odd, based on some of the side displays and the fact that only the center has a view of the main alter. The side seats have LCD TVs with camera views of the alter.

⭐ℂ𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕚́𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕒 𝕊𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕒 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕚́𝕒 𝕃𝕒 𝔸𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕘𝕦𝕒⭐ APRIL 2023
•••𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙖 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙮,𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙖•••
》The Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama is located in the Independence Plaza, also known as Cathedral Plaza in Casco Viejo. It was built in 1674, being one of the first buildings in the new city.
Overall a nice church. Free to enter, take pictures or pray

Worth the visit if you’re in casco viejo

Beautiful church with a massive pipe organ. This is a vey tall church but on top of some very large pillars.

This is a must visit if you travel to Panama. You can feel the history while you walk through the street of casco Viejo. In Plaza Francia you have a view from the new city and it's a great place to take some fabulous pictures

Beautiful Cathedral! Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, Panama city. Surprisingly, we barely could see people around at 1000AM

We were there for Christmas Mass. it was so beautiful and definitely carried the colonial vibe…

Amazing colonial old town in Panama.This town in UNESCO. We can buy some suvenirce.We can found restaurants.

historical and beautiful church in an artistic building.

A renovated historical cathedral in casco viejo, panama city. See the pictures and appreciate the interior and exterior architecture. On a hot and humid day, this is a good place to visit, meditate, and pray. That paintings hung on the wall in the left room next to the altar is 450 years old.

Hi. We are traveling to Panama for you our honeymoon. We are wondering if there is any Traditional Latin Mass Parish anywhere in Panama..THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Very beautiful church inside and out!
A must visit !

This is a beautiful old Cathedral. I think it's from the late 1700s or early 1800s. They don't make them like this any more. There are many churches like this in the states that they are demonstrating due to lack of interest. This one was well lit at night and the church bells ring on the hour. I have a nice video but don't know how to post it.

Clean, spiritual, and well organized

The Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua is a Catholic church located in the old town of Panama City right off Independence Square. It was consecrated in 1796, although construction work began in 1688, 108 years earlier. It suffered important damages over the years. Restoration works were done nicely so today it's an amazing, historical building. Artwork inside is just fantastic. Don't miss it.