Panama City | R. Doug Wicker

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April 6, 2022 · 5:35 am

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

Manuel Espinsa Batista in Independence Plaza

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.

*Iglesia y Convento de la Compañía de Jesús*

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).

Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama at Independence Plaza

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….

Слава Україні! (Slava Ukraini!)

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April 4, 2022 · 5:35 am

Southern Caribbean Cruising — Panama City; Iglesia de San José

After our visit to the Agua Clara locks our tour continued to Panama City. Here we alighted from the bus in the Old Town near Plaza Herrera, which was our first photo stop on today’s foot tour. The city itself is replete with contradictions between wealth and poverty, with poverty winning out in sheer numbers. The area around Plaza Herrera trended far into the poverty category even if the plaza itself belied that observation.

The plaza takes its name from General Tomás Herrera, who became the president of the short-lived President of the Free State of the Isthmus (18 November 1840 – 31 December 1841) before merged with several other areas to become the Republic of New Granada. General Herrera would later become the president of New Granada, briefly serving from 21 April 21 1854 – 5 August 1854.

After our brief stay in the plaza, we headed east along Avenida A where just a couple minutes later we approached Iglesia de San José (Church of San José).

The Church of San José is most famous for its altar, hand carved mahogany adorned with gold leaf. It’s a very impressive sight as you first walk through the doors of the church.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the exquisite details of this incredible piece of art, as well as another piece and some stained glass:

We’re not done yet. As Ron Popeil used to say, “But wait! There’s more!” Off to the right side of the altar is an arched doorway leading to a hidden room containing a vast nativity diorama and some exquisite wood carvings of various religious figures. I’ll just leave you with these stunning images until we continue our Panama City tour on Wednesday: