Panama Sites: La Iglesia de la Merced

If this stucco and stone exterior feels visually out of place with its colonial surroundings in Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo neighborhood. The reason for this is that the church is actually from the much older Panama Viejo and was transported from the ruins. Located 12 km away from Panama’s historic city center, Panama Viejo is North America’s oldest city dating back to 1519. Panama Viejo was destroyed by an ancient pirate attack in 1671 by Henry Morgan. The population elected to move to the peninsula– site of the the present-day Castco Viejo to be better fortified from attack.

La Iglesia de la Merced was built in the early 1600s by Franciscan Friars and transported the church brick-by-brick to the new location (until they ran out of funds) and completed the project with wood. Unlike other colonial churches, the interior is upheld by a wooden ceilling and the mixture of surfaces is an architectural delight.

The first mass was offered on the day of Panama City’s inauguration in 1673.

Additionally, the site is known for its mosaic work, which lines the address along the sidewalk. This dates back to 1732.

The church also boasts the statue of 13th century saint Maria de la Cervello. After she had died, she would sail on the wings of the wind to rescue ships who were at risk of shipwreck.