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Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan)

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan)

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan)
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About
Built between 1688 and 1796, this is a magnificent example of the religious colonial architecture of Panama.
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  • Patricia Bissessar
    Trinidad23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An Historical Experience
    The Metropolitan Cathedral of Old Panama: A WALK INTO HISTORY The Metropolitan Cathedral is not only it is the oldest church in Panama but it is one of the largest in Central America . Unfortunately on last two visits to Panama the Cathedral was closed for restoration. The Cathedral was reopened by Pope Francis during World Youth Day 2019. This Cathedral is beautiful example of colonial architecture in a classic Spanish style, the main part in stone flanked by two bell towers, seen in so many Latin America cities. The two towers framing the central facade are painted white and decorated with shells brought from the Las Perlas islands. My niece Andrea and I spent some time inside the Cathedral admiring its beauty, treasures and learning more about its history. On entering the first thing to catch your eye is the beautiful massive altar in marble . Truly a magnificent work of art. The "huge golden candlesticks" at the altar are also quite impressive, so too are the stained glass windows depicting various saints . I was especially drawn to a statue of Jesus with child-like cherub heads clustered about his feet. I learned too that there are graves under the floor that are opened once a year. Among the various religious figures that adorn the Cathedral are a statue of Santa María La Antigua, the patroness of Panama, with a flower in her hand and Baby Jesus in her arms. These are some photos taken during our visit . We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this, beautiful historic Cathedral.....
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 December 2023
  • craig1086
    Atlanta, Georgia1,959 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such A Beautiful Cathedral
    This is a beautiful Catholic Basilica dating back hundreds of years, and is considered the most important basilica in all of Panama. The church was finished in 1794. The main altar was restored in 2018. The entire altar is basically comprised of full gold. It's magnificent craftsmanship indeed. Take the time to stroll around and see the different sculptures & artwork. And as always, respect the rules of the grounds. They have a donation box towards the entrance of the church, as well as souvenirs. I would give something, just to go towards building maintenance.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 June 2024
  • Tualie
    Varese, Italy1,590 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Erasing history
    When entered, firstly I was dazzled with the new looks, clean, pleasant, shining checkered marbles but wait a minute… I remember quite clear that on the floor there were XIX tombstones, where are they?! They are all gone! Although it was almost 3 decades, the last time I was there with a friend for a wedding and we joked about that one of them probably was one of her ancestors… on those days the looks of the cathedral interiors were crying for a restoration, I thought after all this time, they should had made a great job restoring it but it changed and looked new built rather than a restoration of a 300+ century old religious structure. Still very beautiful from the outside, Colonial style with the blocks of different colors (they were brought from the remains of fired buildings of the first town founded by the Spaniards in the XVI century located at the other side of the city) and I have to say didn’t suffer the heat just because now all churches are air-conditioned; this comfort at a cost and the hurry to have it ready for the Pope’s visit in 2019. Remodel, renovation but not restoration.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 22 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles196 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
84
Average
40
Poor
13
Terrible
0

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK7,058 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
You wouldn't think it was over 300 years old because the updated plastering and white painted interior perhaps detracting from its history. Nice altar and exterior. What was great about Panamanian churches was free to enter, unlike so many of its European counterparts.
Written 27 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tualie
Varese, Italy1,590 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Solo
When entered, firstly I was dazzled with the new looks, clean, pleasant, shining checkered marbles but wait a minute… I remember quite clear that on the floor there were XIX tombstones, where are they?! They are all gone! Although it was almost 3 decades, the last time I was there with a friend for a wedding and we joked about that one of them probably was one of her ancestors… on those days the looks of the cathedral interiors were crying for a restoration, I thought after all this time, they should had made a great job restoring it but it changed and looked new built rather than a restoration of a 300+ century old religious structure.

Still very beautiful from the outside, Colonial style with the blocks of different colors (they were brought from the remains of fired buildings of the first town founded by the Spaniards in the XVI century located at the other side of the city) and I have to say didn’t suffer the heat just because now all churches are air-conditioned; this comfort at a cost and the hurry to have it ready for the Pope’s visit in 2019.

Remodel, renovation but not restoration.
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

calandracas
Madrid, Spain9,068 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
It is also called the Cathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua because it was originally located in that city. The story is interesting because it suffered several fires until its consecration at the end of the 18th century. It preserves some artistic objects from the original location and state funerals are held here.
Google
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

craig1086
Atlanta, GA1,959 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
This is a beautiful Catholic Basilica dating back hundreds of years, and is considered the most important basilica in all of Panama. The church was finished in 1794. The main altar was restored in 2018. The entire altar is basically comprised of full gold. It's magnificent craftsmanship indeed. Take the time to stroll around and see the different sculptures & artwork. And as always, respect the rules of the grounds. They have a donation box towards the entrance of the church, as well as souvenirs. I would give something, just to go towards building maintenance.
Written 9 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Revista Hotéis
Sao Paulo, SP2,884 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Friends
Casco Antiguo is a charming historic neighborhood in the city of Panama listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This district dates back to 1673 and features vibrant squares and picturesque brick paved streets surrounded by colorful buildings. A must-see and the Santa Maria la Antigua Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City, located on the main square. The beginning of its construction is 1688 and its dark stone facade (from the old cathedral, in Panamá Viejo), contrasts with the two white side towers, with the pyramidal arremates covered with nácar. The building is very well preserved and in its interior has a lot of sacred collection.
Automatically translated
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ale61BuenosAires
Buenos Aires7,170 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
It is the most prominent church in the old town. On the outside it is beautiful with its oldest dark stone central part and its most modern towers painted white. Inside the altar stands out with marbles of different colors. It's opposite Independence Square. It is a must in the old town and a cool and pleasant place to pray and thank for traveling to such nice places.
Automatically translated
Written 28 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FTichy
Celebration, FL2,354 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
When visiting Casco Viejo the Catedral is a major attraction.

Located in the Cathedral Plaza, it has been nicely restored.

The interior is not as elaborate as some cathedrals in Europe, but it's very nice.

It's nice to hang out in the area and visit the cathedral.

Worth a visit, will not disappoint.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN6,387 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
Located in the center of the historic and beautiful Casco Viejo. The exterior of the Cathedral and it's location at the Plaza de la Independencia is more interesting than the interior. However, free admission and definitely worth a look inside.
Written 19 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jsthouston
Houston, TX6,068 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2012 • Couples
This structure is something of a mess with rotting wood and pigeon droppings inside and out. It looks far better at a distance and while I did not find it different that many churches I have visited in Latin America it is a shame it has been allowed to fall into such disrepair. On the other hand the square on which it sits has many nicely restored buildings and the canal museum on that square is well worth a visit.
Written 10 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelly M
Charlotte, NC352 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
If you're spending any time in Panamá City, I highly recommend taking some time to visit Metropolitan Cathedral. It's full of history and is absolutely gorgeous.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan), Panama City

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