27 Oct Basílica Menor Santiago Apóstol, Natá de los Caballeros
By Natalie Warner
Panama has several notable churches. Drive west on the Panamerican Highway from Panama City to the Coclé province, and you’ll find Natá de los Caballeros church. Officially named Basílica Menor Santiago Apóstol, it is considered to be the oldest church built in the Americas that is still in use.
The church is located in the small town of Natá de los Caballeros (Natá for short). Natá is the forth oldest town founded by Europeans in the Americas that still remains in its original location. The others include Nombre de Dios, Panama; Veracruz, Mexico; and Panama City, Panama.
As one may imagine, Natá itself has quite a lot of history. The town was originally site to an Indian village governed by a powerful cacique, or indigenous leader, named Anata who was eventually defeated by Spaniards. The town was named in honor of him while los caballeros was included to honor the 100 Spanish knights quartered in the town. Spanish settlers used the defeated Indians as slaves.
Basílica Menor Santiago Apóstol was founded on May 20, 1522. Architecture of the church is described as Renaissance and Baroque. Construction continued until the late 17th century. It is likely slaves attributed to the construction of the church. Such evidence comes from cherubs carved in the Altar of the Virgin’s columns. The cherubs are Indian and have unhappy expressions. The church has four bells, each with its own name. Three bells were cast in 1690, while the last was cast in 1804.
The church itself is still in good condition and has undergone restorations. During a restoration in 1995, three bodies were discovered by one of the altars. It is unknown as to who they were or why they were placed there. Tunnels run underneath the church. Although others have collapsed, one tunnel runs to the nearby cabildo (government house).
Visitors are welcome at the church. It is important to emphasize that this church is still in use. Be mindful and respectful of any ceremonies that may be occurring. The church may be off the beaten path to visit, but it is a notable site to visit if you have time. Make a day of it and also stop by El Caño Parque Arqueológico and learn about a burial site of the ancient inhabitants of Coclé.