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There are several interesting churches in Casco Viejo, the historic center of Panama City. Some of them are still in service while others are completely ruined.
Church of Santo Domingo
The ruined Church of Santo Domingo (Iglesia de Santo Domingo), built in 1678, is one of the most important buildings in Panamanian history. A small arch just inside the entrance called Arco Chato is the reason Panama was chosen over Nicaragua as the site of the interoceanic canal. The arch was used as proof that the area was not susceptible to earthquakes because it had survived for two centuries. The Church of Santo Domingo is now the home of the Colonial Religious Art Museum (Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial), which features religious artifacts dating back to the 16th century.
Church of San Francisco
The Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco) was built in 1756 and renovated in 1918. It sits on Plaza Bolívar.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) is located on Plaza Mayor. It was built between 1688 and 1796.
Church of the Society of Jesus
The ruined Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús) is just to the south of Plaza Mayor. This Jesuit church was built in the late 17th century and was home of the first university in the isthmus of Panama. The Jesuits were later expelled by King Carlos III of Spain in 1767 and the church fell into disuse.
Church of San José
On the next block is the Church of San José (Iglesia de San José). It was built in 1677 and holds the Golden Altar (Altar de Oro), the only thing salvaged after pirate Henry Morgan sacked Panamá Viejo in 1671.
Church of La Merced
The Church of La Merced (Iglesia de La Merced) built in 1680, is the only surviving church that features its original façade. It’s on the western end of Casco Viejo.
