Catedral Basílica
Santa María La Antigua

Catedral Basilica SPCatedral Basílica

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Catedral Basilica ENG DEFCatedral Basílica

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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

It contains the cross of Pope Leo XIII (it promises 100 days of indulgence to those who pray an Our Father and kiss it),
The 7 steps remember the deadly sins,
the entrance to the temple remembers repentance,
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.