Dating back to 1680, La Iglesia de la Merced sits in the heart of Casco Viejo, just a couple of blocks from Independence Square. Its weathered stone facade is made of stones recovered from the abandoned original old city of Panama, Panama Viejo, and is flanked by two gleaming white stucco bell towers, with bells chiming every 15 minutes.
The decorations inside are relatively restrained, with exposed wooden ceiling and a tastefully tiled floor. In alcoves around the edge are a number of statues dedicated to saints and religious figures, some more tastefully crafted than others but all of them well maintained.
Particularly striking is a statue of María de Cervelló (also known as María del Socorro or Mary or Cervellione) holding a ship in her hand. She was a 13th-century saint who was reputed to, after she had died, sail on the wings of the wind to rescue ships who were at risk of shipwreck.
Photos of La Iglesia de la Merced
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
The main altar. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Some of the weathered stone columns. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Statue of Saint Rita of Cascia. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Some of the ornately patterned tiles on the church’s floor. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
A closer view of the statue of Maria de Cervello. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
One of the small side altars.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
A stone statue on the outside of the church. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
One of the ornate door knockers. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
A coat of arms inlay in one of the doors. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
A statue of St. Joseph. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Another of the alcove altars. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Statue of María de Cervello. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.
Where to Next?
Travel Advice for Panama
You can find the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisories and information for Panama (such as entry visa requirements and vaccination requirements) here.
The British and Australian governments offer their own country-specific travel information. You can find the British Government's travel advice for Panama here and the Australian Government's here.
Health & Vaccinations
The CDC makes country-specific recommendations for vaccinations and health for travelers. You can find their latest information for Panama here.
