Catedral Basílica
Santa María La Antigua
Visited by
Pope Francis the
January 26, 2019
Also known as Metropolitan Cathedral, it was first in Santa María La Antigua del Darién, then moved to Panamá Viejo in 1520, burned in 1644 and rebuilt in 1652.
After the looting by pirates and the fire, the New City was built in 1674 and then in 1688, it burned three times and suffered an earthquake. It was consecrated in 1796 and in 2014 it was elevated to a Minor Basilica. In 1941 it was declared a National Historical Monument.
It has stone walls, 2 towers veneered in mother of pearl, 1 crypt of the bishops, it has inherited objects from the Santa María La Antigua Church in Darién, it has marble altarpieces, on the façade it has the apostles carved in wood, the main altarpiece It is made of wood.
Its steps have witnessed historical events, and this is the church where state funerals are held.
Fun facts
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It contains the cross of Pope Leo XIII (it promises 100 days of indulgence to those who pray an Our Father and kiss it),
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The 7 steps remember the deadly sins,
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the entrance to the temple remembers repentance,
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Its towers became the tallest in Latin America.
Last restoration: 2018.
Consecration of the new altar: January 26, 2019 by Pope Francis during his visit for World Youth Day.
More information about this Interesting Place
Regular Hours
Monday: 12pm - 8pm
Tues-Fri: 11am - 7.30pm
Sat-Sun: 7am - 8pm
Special Religious Holidays
Find out the 2023 Calendar here
of the main religious festivities to celebrate in our Basilica
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Information for private celebrations
General information for the celebration of the sacraments
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More about its history and curiosities
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This building is part of the circuit of
national historical and architectural interest
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Area of museums and parks that you may like
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