Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan)
Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan), Panama City
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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780 within 5 kms
Super Gourmet
469
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Fonda Lo Que Hay
181
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540
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NAZCA 21
558
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Peruvian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Rene Cafe
566
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Mahalo Snack Shack
206
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Pedro Mandinga Rum
165
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Barrio Pizza Casco Viejo
203
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Quick Bites • Italian • Pizza
Laboratorio Madrigal
777
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Granclement
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0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Dessert • French
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67 within 5 kms
Dress Like Panama
75
0.1 kmRides & Activities
Plaza Bolivar
241
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Karavan Gallery
37
0.1 kmArt Galleries
Paseo de Las Bovedas
225
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Museo del Canal Interoceánico de Panamá
2,049
0.2 kmHistory Museums
Casco Viejo
11,626
0.4 kmNeighbourhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Plaza de la Catedral
300
0.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Iglesia de San Felipe Neri
40
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Independence Square
72
0.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Iglesia de la Merced
211
0.5 kmChurches & Cathedrals
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4.0
168 reviews
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Flitz8-A foodie travels
Athens, Greece2,675 contributions
Nice church
Dec 2020 • Solo
Better looking from inside, nice stain glass, great for popping in if near the area, lovely interior
Written 11 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Myo M
Coquitlam, Canada19,934 contributions
The "12 Apostles" outside :)
Jan 2020
Really "quite awesome" was to see "all 12 Apostles" of Christ (meaning their statues) on the front face of the Cathedral (quite likely a unique encounter for me among many cathedrals visited to see this complete set of the Apostles although yes I have walked along a number of cathedral aisles lined with saint statues). The interior of the Cathedral though is on the "plain side" and actually I would say maybe a bit too plain for the "main cathedral" of a big city (no shrines or secondary altars along the length on the two sides and also no decorative ceiling or such above) except for Crucifixion carving scenes along the two sides of the main aisle and also something eye-catching which are these "huge golden candlesticks" at the altar. And also somewhat interesting inside this cathedral (definitely not a common sight to see in a cathedral) is the "modern feature" of a number of big TV screens mounted on the pillars along the two sides of the main aisle which I guess are likely used during mass times.
Located in the "old town" Casco Viejo which is an area where you can spend "a whole day", nearby this cathedral (just within a walk of 5 minutes or less) are 3 others: Iglesia de San Francisco de Assis (with a nice tower to look up outside and where the inside is nicely "air-conditioned" and where also right in front of that church is a small plaza with some "elaborate monument" for Simon Bolivar), Iglesia de la Merced (kind of compact-sized but with a number of "colorful sculptures" inside and where just adjacent to the church is also a small museum about the religious settlers in this area's early days), and Iglesia de Compania de Jesus (just a "church ruin" empty within its four walls where yes there's also a wide-open view of the sky above!). Also for some Panama souvenirs, there are 2 or 3 souvenir shops (pretty nice ones actually each with a good selection of items) on the street "heading out" from just across the plaza in front of this cathedral (the street with its one end on the far side of the plaza from the side with this cathedral).
Located in the "old town" Casco Viejo which is an area where you can spend "a whole day", nearby this cathedral (just within a walk of 5 minutes or less) are 3 others: Iglesia de San Francisco de Assis (with a nice tower to look up outside and where the inside is nicely "air-conditioned" and where also right in front of that church is a small plaza with some "elaborate monument" for Simon Bolivar), Iglesia de la Merced (kind of compact-sized but with a number of "colorful sculptures" inside and where just adjacent to the church is also a small museum about the religious settlers in this area's early days), and Iglesia de Compania de Jesus (just a "church ruin" empty within its four walls where yes there's also a wide-open view of the sky above!). Also for some Panama souvenirs, there are 2 or 3 souvenir shops (pretty nice ones actually each with a good selection of items) on the street "heading out" from just across the plaza in front of this cathedral (the street with its one end on the far side of the plaza from the side with this cathedral).
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FTichy
Manaus, AM2,293 contributions
Simple, Fits with Casco Viejo
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.
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.
WhiteMouseBurrow
Moscow, Russia2,343 contributions
Old spanish cathedral
Mar 2020
Outside, the cathedral is a bit ... heterogeneous, but inside makes a better impression. Although perhaps rustic for the capital city.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CharlieinTexas
Austin, TX3,737 contributions
Very Simple, But Beautiful
Feb 2020 • Friends
The interior of this beautiful church is tastefully understated. Allows time to clear your head and just hang out. Very different than the ornate churches you would find in Italy or Spain
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Audibear1
Granger, IN58 contributions
Beautiful old cathedral
Jan 2020
I love going in old churches and cathedrals. This one you should see in Panama City it’s located in the old city area
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane K
Venice, FL3,570 contributions
Beautiful and cool interior
Feb 2020 • Couples
We stopped in here after visiting the Museo del Canal. The wood ceiling was beautiful and the altar and stained glass windows were striking. We were there early on Sunday afternoon and no services were in progress.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luciafernandez62
Caracas, Venezuela561 contributions
Spectacular Cathedral of Panama dedicated to Santa Maria La Antigua
Aug 2019
It took over a century to build this wonderful temple, from 1688 until 1796. It is located in front of the Plaza Mayor, also known as Plaza de la Independencia and Plaza Catedral.
The church bears the title of Catedral Basilica Santa Maria La Antigua. The main altar is beautiful, built in one single block of Italian marble of Carrrara. The altarpiece behind it is colorful, with marbles brought in from many different places in the world, representing the warm welcome given in Panama to people from all over the world. The altar was blessed by Pope Francis on January 2019, and it contains several relics related to Panama: bones of Santa Rosa de Lima, a portion of the cassock of San Oscar Romero, and blood of San Juan Pablo II.
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.
The church bears the title of Catedral Basilica Santa Maria La Antigua. The main altar is beautiful, built in one single block of Italian marble of Carrrara. The altarpiece behind it is colorful, with marbles brought in from many different places in the world, representing the warm welcome given in Panama to people from all over the world. The altar was blessed by Pope Francis on January 2019, and it contains several relics related to Panama: bones of Santa Rosa de Lima, a portion of the cassock of San Oscar Romero, and blood of San Juan Pablo II.
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.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris W
Sorede, France640 contributions
Well worth a visit!
Nov 2019 • Couples
Situated on the Plaza de la Independencia, this fine cathedral holds interest both from the outside and within. On the outside, the majority of it is painted white while the fine baroque facade is of the original stone, it being adorned by many religious statues.
Inside, it is very bright and airy and features many fine stained glass windows, a beautiful alter and a fine group of statues depicting Christ post crucifixion.
It is worth noting that the Plaza itself is home to a number of artisan market stalls which can be visited before or after that of the cathedral.
Well worth a visit.
Inside, it is very bright and airy and features many fine stained glass windows, a beautiful alter and a fine group of statues depicting Christ post crucifixion.
It is worth noting that the Plaza itself is home to a number of artisan market stalls which can be visited before or after that of the cathedral.
Well worth a visit.
Written 7 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Reslysten54
Vienna, VA1,693 contributions
Remarkable marble altar
Nov 2019 • Couples
The exterior offers a striking contrast between the historic centerpiece and the brightly restored two side towers. The interior is light and attractive. The massive altar in marble is a remarkable work of art. The stained glass windows are quite beautiful.
Written 10 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
janahall
Paradise, CA
Can anyone please tell me the mass times for Saturday evening and Sunday morning? Thank you!
StoufferJax
Jacksonville, Florida31 contributions
Is the cathedral open for services on Sunday?
Frequently Asked Questions about Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan)
- Hotels near Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan):
- (0.00 km) Sunshine Hostal Panama
- (0.00 km) Casa Grande
- (0.01 km) Villa Palma Boutique Hotel
- (0.22 km) Central Hotel Panama
- (0.14 km) Residencial El Amanecer
- Restaurants near Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitan):
- (0.03 km) Barra Maestra
- (0.03 km) Villa Palma Restaurent & Bar
- (0.03 km) Bajareque Coffee House & Roastery
- (0.05 km) Nacion Sushi
- (0.05 km) Maisa