Cathedral Basilica of St Mary

Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua

The Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua, also known as Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua de Panamá, is a prominent Catholic church situated in the historic old town of Panama City, Panama. Its history is deeply intertwined with the early Spanish colonization of the region. The current structure, consecrated in 1796, stands on the site of earlier religious buildings, with construction beginning in 1688 and spanning over a century. The basilica serves as the principal church and episcopal see of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Panama.

History and Significance

The origins of the cathedral trace back to 1510, when Pope Adrian VI authorized the erection of a cathedral in the great house of Cacique Cémaco. In 1513, La Antigua was elevated to the rank of a diocese, with its church becoming a cathedral. Following the abandonment of Santa María la Antigua del Darién and the founding of Panama in 1519, the cathedral's insignia, bulls, and relics were transferred to the new town. After the sacking of Panama by Henry Morgan in 1671, the city was relocated to its present site in 1673, prompting the arrangement for the construction of the new cathedral.

During the Republican era, the cathedral was a significant venue for national events, including the funeral obsequies of presidents and numerous religious ceremonies. On December 22, 2014, the Metropolitan Archcathedral received the title of minor basilica, underscoring its liturgical and pastoral importance within the Catholic Church in Panama.

Architectural Features

Designed by military engineer Nicolás Rodríguez, the basilica is a substantial edifice characterized by a high gabled roof and two plastered towers that were once painted red at their tops and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The walls are constructed of stone, and the facade displays Renaissance style with classical decorative elements, often referred to as Jesuit style. Internally, the basilica comprises three naves accessed through three doors from the facade, with two additional chapel naves lacking distinct divisions. The roof is supported by a notable 'forest' of approximately 67 cruciform columns made of stone and brick. The sanctuary is elevated seven steps above the naves. The main altarpiece dates from the late 19th century. The sacristy, once on two levels, is the only Panamanian colonial building featuring a dome. Below the sanctuary, two vaulted rooms form the Crypt of the Bishops, and a lower room beneath the sacristy housed the cathedral's archives. The building is illuminated by ten large windows, enhanced with stained glass in the l'art décoratif style since the early 20th century. The current gilded bronze lamps were a donation from the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. The cathedral is positioned on the west side of the Plaza Mayor, accessed via a series of steps.