San Felipe's Golden Altar

One of the most popular postcard images of Panama is the Golden Altar, the largest and most valuable item saved from the sacking and plundering of the old city of Panama by Sir Henry Morgan in 1671.

Carved in mahogany and covered with gold, the large, baroque-style altar was probably made in Peru in the early 17th century. Its first home was a small parish of Saint Joseph's order, located on the outskirts of town.

According to legend, the priest in charge, Father Juan, promptly painted the altar with whitewash on the arrival of Morgan's invading forces as it could be viewed from outside the church, which was being transformed into a stone structure. It is said that when Morgan arrived, Father Juan complained about his parish's needs so convincingly that the pirate put his hand in his pocket to give him a large donation.

The altar was relocated in pieces in its home: the San José Church in the "new" city, the present-day colonial district of San Felipe (Old Quarter.)

The Church of the Golden Altar is on the itinerary of all the organized tours of San Felipe. Many visitors take a taxi to the church, or the municipal Cathedral and stroll through the narrow streets.

San José Church, best known as the "Golden Altar Church", is often used for small, chamber music performances and is also a very popular wedding venue.