Cathedral de San Felipe Panama

The Cathedral de San Felipe is one of most famous sites in Panama. The Casco Antiguo or the San Felipe district of Panama is the oldest neighborhood in the country and has a rich heritage. In fact in 1997 UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. The San Felipe area is quite different and unique from the rest of Panama. It holds an old worldly charm and is a testament to Panama’s rich and glorious history.

Popular Tourist Attraction

The Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Panama and receives hundreds of visitors every day. San Felipe mostly has magnificent French and Spanish style architecture that are quite ornate. Unfortunately with the passage of time and the effects of the elements most historical building in San Felipe, including the Cathedral, have been damaged. Restoration plans are already in the process and are slowly but surely providing the San Felipe district a facelift. It is almost like lifting the layers of time to bring the most colorful part of the country to life.

The Plaza Cathedral or the Plaza de la Independencia is where Panama proclaimed its independence from Spain and Colombia and is especially significant to the history of the country. The Cathedral de San Felipe stands on the west of the Plaza and is a magnificent building. The Cathedral has towers that are inlaid in mother of pearl from Perlas Islands and has a classical façade. The Cathedral has an interesting history of its own. It was built from the stones from the ruins of the cathedral of Panama Viejo.  The Cathedral also holds three bells brought in from the ruined cathedral. It is said that Queen Isabella of Spain had thrown in a ring when the metal to cast the bells was being molded.

The Cathedral has a marble altar and stained glass windows, other than that its interiors are quite simple. The bones of the saint, Santo Aurelio are placed behind the painting of Jesus, in the front of the Cathedral.

Museums in San Felipe

There are several museums in the San Felipe area which are worth spending a few hours discovering Panama’s history. The museums are closed on Sunday and visitors should plan their trips to them accordingly. The Museo del Canal Interoceánico holds objects of historical significance to the Panama Canal. In fact the museum was originally the headquarters for French efforts to build the canal. The Museo de la Historia de Panamá, next door, holds artifacts of Panama’s struggle for independence and its rise as a republic.

The Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial holds artifacts of religious significance from the Spanish era and is worth a quick visit.

Things to see at San Felipe

The Iglesia de San José is visited by tourists mostly for its gold altar. It is said that the altar was once protected by a quick thinking priest from the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan by painting it black. If you are interested in traditional dresses, polleras, from Panama then La Casa de la Pollera is the place to visit. It is just across the Iglesia de San José church.

The ruins of Iglesia de Santo Domingo, a church that was built twice after fires, is most known for its near flat arch, in fact it was called Arco Chato. It was after the engineers for the Panama Canal saw the church they realized it was safe to construct the canal as Panama wasn’t prone to earthquakes. The church fell to the ground in 2003.

The Cathedral de San Felipe is a great place to explore but it is recommended that tourists hire a guide. The streets can be rather confusing and due to the restoration plans it may be unsafe in parts. The local guides have lived here most of their lives and know the Cathedral de San Felipe area like the back of their hands. A walking tour is recommended to get a feel of what the San Felipe area was like in its glorious years and also how it is being developed now. The Cathedral was and still is the focal point in San Felipe around which most activities are planned. Some sections of San Felipe have been renovated and have a distinct similarity to the French New Orleans. Exciting plans of developments in the Cathedral de Dan Felipe area are under way; this including new restaurants, wide walk cafes and bars will add to the area. San Felipe is being developed as the cultural centre for Panama. It is where the old meets the new in a graceful and timeless manner.

At Plaza de Francia you will see obelisk and marble plaques on the wall that commemorate the failed French attempts to build a canal at Panama. This area also houses the Instituto Nacional de Cultura and some of the best and most colorful restaurants in Panama.  You just can’t come to Panama without visiting San Felipe—you will deprive yourself of one of the greatest adventures of your life.