Panama Viejo Cathedral

  • Franciscan friars were among the first settlers in Panamá in the 1520’s
  • Convent established in 1573
  • Church and monastery constructed in 1603
  • One of the largest religious complexes in the city at 5000m² (about 3000m² remain)
  • Housing for about 60 monks
  • Most of the friars were killed rendering aid to the wounded during the pirate attack
  • The church had four cofraternities (Our Lady of Conception, the Veracruz of San Diego, Our Lady of Remedios and Saint John of Buenaventura) and a chapel which was dedicated to Saint Anthony with an engraving of Saint Francis, an altar of Saint Cosme and Saint Damian, and one dedicated to Saint Eloy.

Back to Panama Viejo or on to 5. Hospital de San Juan de Dios