There are larger and more ornate churches in Casco Viejo, but none can beat Iglesia San Francisco de Asis on location. Standing on the waterfront, next to the Panamanian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and across the street from the National Theater, its exterior has been carefully restored. And with most of the buildings of Casco Viejo being only a few stories high, the bell tower of Iglesia San Francisco de Asis towers high above, visible from all around.
The church was originally built in the 17th century. Like many of the other major buildings in the neighborhood, it has suffered at the hands of fire: once in in 1737 and again in 1756.
It stands on the eastern side of Plaza Simón Bolívar, a small but scenic and historically interesting square on the northeast corner of Casco Viejo.
Photos of Iglesia San Francisco de Asis
Map
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.
Guidebooks for Panama
If you're looking for a guidebook to make the most of your visit, these are some of the most popular ones currently for Panama. Some are available in both paper and e-book formats.
- Fallon, Steve (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Guides, Rough (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Frommermedia Llc
- Gill, Nicholas (Author)
Travel Insurance For Your Trip to Panama
I never travel without travel insurance, and I've run into several situations where I've had to make claims. I consider it essential.
But shopping for travel insurance can be a pain and confusing. Thankfully, there are some travel insurance comparison sites that show you a wide range of plans, make it easy to compare coverage, and can save you money at the same time. And the coverage can be much better tailored to your specific needs than the checkbox offering at travel booking sites or through your credit card.
These are some good places to shop for travel insurance for your next trip to Panama :
Hopefully, you won't need it, but if something goes wrong, you'll sure be glad you have it!