Independence Square — Attraction in San Felipe

This plaza is where Panama declared its independence from Colombia on November 3, 1903. There are several important landmarks here, notably the Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral), easily recognizable by its contrasting gray, ashlar-stone facade flanked by two white neoclassical bell towers inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The cathedral took more than 100 years to build, and is one of the largest in Central America. On the south side of the plaza is the must-see Museo del Canal Interoceánico. The neoclassical building was built in 1875 as the Gran Hotel, and converted into Canal Headquarters by the French in 1881; later it was used as offices for the U.S. canal commission. It is considered to be the finest example of French architecture in Casco Viejo. Next door, on the second floor of the Palacio Municipal, is the Museo de la Historia de Panamá, a ho-hum display of exhibits charting the history of the Panamanian republic. The Hotel Central, on the east side of the plaza, was once among the most luxurious hotels in the Americas, built in 1880. Today it sits abandoned while its two owners bicker...

Walking tour of Casco Viejo...starting point from Independence square...take you around the environs of the area, and learn about the political history of Panama in the Municipal Palace.

The oldest church in Panama...the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua on Plaza Mayor formerly Plaza de la Catedral which was visited by the Pope in 2019...very interesting history.

Right on the square is also Central hotel of Panama with some Titanic influences, and the Panama canal museum next door...the whole area is architecturally beautiful with some other churches and landmarks as well...Casco Viejo is a must visit...

Stayed right next to this square during our stay in Panama. The area is constantly busy from early hours until late night, tourists crowds, tourism jeeps/vans and taxis coming in and out with lots of honks, locals playing instruments/music in the evening. We managed to watch a dance event happen on the square right from our balcony which was really cool. Would not recommend for a quiet stay, but was convenient location for easy access to...