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
The Golden Altar (Altar de Oro). License this photo
Some of the side niches. License this photo
Looking toward the Altar de Oro (Golden Altar). License this photo
One of the side niches, this one depicting Madonna and Child. License this photo
Another depiction of Madonna and Child, this one in one of the stained glass windows on the side of the church. License this photo
One of the side niches with a depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. License this photo
A wide-angle view of the Golden Altar (Altar de Oro). License this photo
The base of the turret on the bell tower. License this photo
On top of the steeple. License this photo
The Golden Altar (Altar de Oro). License this photo
A closer view of the Golden Altar. License this photo
Side by side with one of the many unrestored buildings in the area. License this photo
Map
License Photos of Iglesia San Jose in Casco Viejo
If you’d like to download any of my photos from Iglesia San Jose in Casco Viejo, you can license them directly from Alamy here. It includes most of the photos displayed on this page along with many more, and there are licenses for various types of uses, including personal use as well as editorial publication.
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.
