Iglesia San Felipe Neri

Considering the crowd of enormous colonial-era churches in Casco Viejo, an unsuspecting tourist could easily stroll past the Iglesia San Felipe Neri every day without realizing they were brushing past a piece of history. Completed in 1688, this is one of the oldest churches anywhere in the city although it now occupies a modest, crowded corner across from Plaza Bolívar. To emphasize the historical significance of this church, it is worth mentioning that the Casco Viejo neighborhood is also known as San Felipe. The structure has seen fires and serious damage, but it was remodeled in the early 20th century and again in 2003. This latter renovation was effected with aid from the governments of China and Taiwan under the then-president of Panama, Mireya Moscosa.