Iglesia San Jose

PANAMA CITY, Panama — Iglesia San Jose, in Casco Viejo and dating to 1673, is most famous for its massive Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) that survived pirate raids in 1671.

Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama

The massive Golden Altar (or Altar de Oro) of Iglesia San Jose is remarkable in its own right. The towering structure isn’t actually solid gold–it’s carved mahogany that has been covered in gold leaf (and paint). But it looks every bit as opulent as you’d think.

But perhaps the most remarkable thing about it is the story about why it’s still around to see. It survived the pirate Henry Morgan’s sacking of Panama Viejo in 1671. Legend has it that a priest disguised it by painting it black and then convinced Morgan that it had already been stolen. When the coast was clear, and after Panama Viejo was abandoned in the wake of Morgan’s raid, the altar was later moved to its present location in Iglesia San Jose, one of Casco Viejo’s many churches. Today, Iglesia San Jose (Church of San Joseph) is surrounded, like most of Casco Viejo, by a mix of crumbling ruins and beautifully renovated buildings.

Iglesia San Jose dates to 1673 and features a series of heavy, ornate altar pieces lining its walls and alcoves. But despite the draw of the Golden Altar, the church hasn’t been restored to the extent of some of the others, something you’ll quickly notice when you feel the oppressive heat and humidity inside.

Photos of Iglesia San Jose

Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) at Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Bell Tower of Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) at Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
The Golden Altar (Altar de Oro). Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Some of the side niches. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) at Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Looking toward the Altar de Oro (Golden Altar). Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
One of the side niches, this one depicting Madonna and Child. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Another depiction of Madonna and Child, this one in one of the stained glass windows on the side of the church. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
One of the side niches with a depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) at Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
A wide-angle view of the Golden Altar (Altar de Oro). Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Bell Tower of Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
The base of the turret on the bell tower. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
--06-COPYRIGHT-havecamerawilltravel.com.jpg
On top of the steeple. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) at Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
The Golden Altar (Altar de Oro). Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Bell Tower of Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Golden Altar (Altar de Oro) at Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
A closer view of the Golden Altar. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Bell Tower of Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Bell Tower of Iglesia San Jose Casco Viejo Panama City Panama
Side by side with one of the many unrestored buildings in the area. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel

Map

David Coleman / Photographer

David Coleman

I'm a freelance travel photographer based in Washington DC. Seven continents, up mountains, underwater, and a bunch of places in between. My images have appeared in numerous publications, and you can check out some of my gear reviews and tips here. More »