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Temples & religious sites

Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City

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Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City

Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City

Located in the historic district known as Casco Viejo, this cathedral serves as the seat of the archdiocese. Consecrated in 1796 after more than a century of construction, it serves as a primary architectural and religious landmark within the old quarter. Travelers visit the site to observe its colonial architecture and its role in the city's religious history.

Getting There

The cathedral is situated in the Casco Viejo area. From the modern city center, you can reach the district via taxi or ride-sharing services. The trip typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions entering the old town.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes to explore the interior and the immediate surrounding plaza.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. The area can become crowded with tour groups and pedestrians, particularly on weekends and during public holidays.

Nearby Attractions

Because the cathedral is centrally located in the old quarter, it can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:

  • Panama History Museum (0.1km)
  • Panama Canal Museum (0.1km)
  • Palacio de las Garzas (0.2km)
  • National Theatre of Panama (0.2km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Panama History Museum

Museums & galleries

Panama History Museum

A history museum located on the first floor of the Municipal Palace in Panama City's Casco Antiguo. It offers an overview of Panama's history, from the colonial era through union with Colombia to the founding of the republic.

0.1 km away

Panama Canal Museum

Museums & galleries

Panama Canal Museum

A museum in Panama City dedicated to the history of the canal's construction. It covers the entire story, from France's initial attempt to the canal's completion by the United States and its eventual return to Panama.

0.1 km away

Palacio de las Garzas

Castles & palaces

Palacio de las Garzas

The presidential residence in Panama City, named for the herons that roam freely in its courtyard. It's worth viewing the palace's exterior while learning about this unusual origin.

0.2 km away

National Theatre of Panama

Culture & venues

National Theatre of Panama

A theatre near San Francisco Church and Bolivar Plaza in Panama City's old town. Established in 1904, this historic venue is regarded as one of Panama's leading cultural landmarks.

0.2 km away

Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama

Museums & galleries

Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama

An ethnographic museum in Panama City, housed in a former mission chapel built between 1909 and 1910. Its exhibits present the history and culture of Afro-Caribbean immigrants.

1.2 km away

Panama Museum of Contemporary Art

Museums & galleries

Panama Museum of Contemporary Art

This is Panama's only museum of contemporary art, located in Panama City. It grew out of an arts institution founded in 1962 and was reestablished as today's museum in 1983.

1.3 km away