Squeezing in Panama City’s Highlights
My wife and I packed many points of interest into our short three-day Panama visit. One highlight was visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient, located in the historic Casco Viejo district.
Choosing a Self-Guided Tour
We chose to explore the cathedral on our own rather than join a walking tour. We wanted to spend our own time and had a cooking class and a chocolate-making class nearby.
Perfect Timing
Our schedule was packed. We visited the cathedral between the Miraflores Locks and our Panamanian cooking class. After leaving the Miraflores Locks, we stopped at Sisu Coffee Studio for a pour-over Geisha coffee. Then we headed to the cathedral with nearly thirty minutes until our class.
Getting to Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient stands as a magnificent testament to Panama’s rich history. The church spans centuries, marked by colonial ambition, religious devotion, and architectural evolution.
Early Beginnings
Panama City was founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. A small chapel was constructed soon after to serve settlers’ spiritual needs.
Destruction and Rebirth
The original Panama City faced attacks from pirates, the most infamous being Henry Morgan’s sacking in 1671. In 1673, the new cathedral’s cornerstone was laid in Casco Viejo, symbolizing the city’s rebirth.
Architectural Splendor
We learned that the cathedral’s construction spanned over a century, completed in 1796. It blends Baroque and Neoclassical styles, with twin bell towers inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the Pearl Islands. Inside, the cathedral boasts a spacious nave, chapels, religious artworks, and intricate woodwork. The high marble altar is a focal point.
Historical Significance of Metropolitan Cathedral
The cathedral has played a central role in Panama’s religious and cultural life. It witnessed significant events, including Panama’s independence from Spain in 1821 and its separation from Colombia in 1903. Pope Leo XIII elevated the cathedral to a basilica in 1882, recognizing its importance.
Metropolitan Cathedral in Modern Times
In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the cathedral. Renovations were completed for Pope Francis’s visit in January 2019. The chair he sat on is encased in glass in the sanctuary. I was unable to obtain a good photograph of the chair due to light reflecting from the glass enclosure. Restorations during this time frame aimed to preserve the cathedral’s historical integrity. The interior of the church is impeccable, a stark contrast to the exterior. But it is clear efforts were made to capture the historic details of the structure.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient is more than just a religious building; it is a living chronicle of Panama’s past. It embodies the spirit and perseverance of the Panamanian people, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Donations are accepted but not required for this visit. There is a small chapel to the right of the chancel with a donation box. Another donation box at the rear of the basilica is for maintaining the impressive pipe organ at the rear of the sanctuary.
Overview of our three-day trip to Panama!
