Iglesia de San José, Colonial church in Casco Viejo, Panama.
Iglesia de San José is a colonial church in Casco Viejo with stone walls, wooden beams, and religious artworks arranged throughout its rectangular interior. The building displays the straightforward layout of a Spanish mission church with solid construction and simple proportions.
The church was built in 1673 after pirates destroyed the original building and ravaged Casco Viejo. It became the center of religious life in Panama's colonial quarter and remained an important gathering place for the community.
The main altar displays Spanish Catholic craftsmanship through its gold-covered mahogany, reflecting traditions that shaped the colony. This religious artistry remains a focal point as visitors walk through the church today.
The church is accessible from Avenida A near Plaza Herrera and can be explored on your own or with a guide. Visiting in the morning works best, as you'll encounter fewer crowds and experience better natural light inside.
During a pirate raid in the 17th century, a priest hid the altar by painting its gold surface black to fool Henry Morgan. This quick thinking preserved the church's most valuable artwork and remains part of the building's story.
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