Baha'i House of Worship

Panama City is undeniably rich in religious architecture; colonial churches seem to cluster like coconuts in some parts of town. A less conventional spiritual tradition is responsible for the astounding temple located 11 kilometers northeast of the city center, and it is hosted inside an equally alternative edifice. The Baha'i Temple, intended to serve all of Latin America, was built for a welcoming faith that claims "the earth is one country and all humanity its citizens", and simultaneously welcomes cooling fresh breezes through the open structure under its great futuristic white dome. This dome is easily the most striking feature of the Temple, built in 1967 and dedicated in 1972. The holy writings of the Baha'i faith are read in both English and Spanish at 10a on Sunday mornings; the Transisthmian Highway runs directly past.