Southern Caribbean Cruising — Panama City; Metropolitan Cathedral and other sights

Continuing east along Avenida A takes you right by some really interesting ruins. The remaining structure is of intricate detail and constructed of brick and stone. These are the remains of Iglesia y Convento de la Compañía de Jesús (Church and Convent of the Society of Jesus), a Jesuit church and convent erected in 1741 that subsequently fell victim to both fire and earthquake.

Hang left just past these ruins, onto Calle 7a Oeste, and head north a short distance. Just 220 feet/67 meters to go until you hit Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Plaza) and the Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua de Panamá (Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of Santa María the Old of Panama; or Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama for short).

Yes, the exterior is impressive, from tall bell towers:

To an intricate façade between those bell towers:

But let’s go take a peek inside, shall we:

Ursula and I had a while to ourselves, so we did some shopping, and then a little side trek before heading back to Independence Plaza. Among the sights greeting us along the was San Francisco de Asis Church on Avenida B one block north and two blocks east of Independence Plaza:

This next image was a fun shot taken very near Independence Plaza:

Time to leave behind the cathedral and start a trek through Old Town to our bus, which will take us to other sights in Panama City. Let’s head west on Calle Pedro J. Sosa, where you’ll find this colorful restaurant:

At Nazca 21 we turn right and head north, where I was able to snag a shot of the more modern section of Panama City:

We move on to another Southern Caribbean photo destination next week, after this week’s Fun Photo Friday, of course. Until then….

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