Day 4      3/19/22

Panama City, Panama

Frank's Trip

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Casco Viejo Churches.

Taking a day to rest up made a big difference. Today was enjoyable in visiting churches in the old town. The outside may not be grand, but the inside is surprising and beautiful... at least, to me.

It was also interesting to wander through blocks and blocks of pedestrian malls teeming with people. Brick streets with little areas in the middle offering seats to rest or people-watch.

Plaza Santa Ana & Iglesia Santa Ana

This park dates from the 1890s

Iglesia de la Merced

Dating back to 1680, La Iglesia de la Merced sits in the heart of Casco Viejo. Its weathered stone facade is made of stones recovered from the abandoned original old city of Panama, and is flanked by two gleaming white stucco bell towers, with bells chiming every 15 minutes.

Iglesia de San Jose

The main attraction of this church is the 17th century Baroque style Golden Altar, Altar de Oro. The altar was originally located in a temple by the similar name, San Jose. After the pirates had burned down the Old Panama city, the altar was relocated to the new place and entirely renovated in 1915. Carved in mahogany, the altar is covered in golden leaf.