Standing on the western side of Plaza de la Independencia (or Plaza de la Catedral), the Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (or Metropolitan Cathedral), is one of the largest churches in Central America. It dates to 1688 to 1796, but went through a long period of neglect. In 2002-2003 it underwent major restorations.
On the front, its weathered stone face is flanked by two gleaming white bell towers. The dimples you can see at the tops of the towers are oyster shells, creating a mother-of-pearl finish.
Unusually, the statues decorating the front are wood, not stone. And they haven’t all fared very well over the centuries against Panama’s weather.
Photos of Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
What To Know Before You Go
The church is very easy to find–Plaza de la Independencia is the very heart of Casco Viejo–but the church itself isn’t open to visitors as much as many of the other historic churches in Casco.
