Ruins of Compañía de Jesús
Historic colonial ruins in Panama City's Casco Viejo, featuring impressive Spanish-era arches and crumbling walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for quick photo ops
Ruins of Compañía de Jesús
Best Time
Best for quick photo ops
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic colonial ruins in Panama City's Casco Viejo, featuring impressive Spanish-era arches and crumbling walls.
"A beautiful glimpse into history with enduring arches, best viewed from the street. "
📸 Photo Opportunity
The arches offer a great backdrop for photos, especially if you catch it when accessible.
📚 Research History
No info onsite, so learn about its 1700s Spanish construction beforehand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spanish Colonial Arches
Exterior view
Admire the enduring stone arches, a testament to 1700s masonry. A beautiful photo opportunity.
Historic Crumbling Walls
Exterior view
Glimpse the remnants of a once-grand building, offering a poignant look at history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Information
Quick Visit Recommended
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
First time to panama by myself , no Spanish
📸 Photo Opportunity
The arches offer a great backdrop for photos, especially if you catch it when accessible.
📚 Research History
No info onsite, so learn about its 1700s Spanish construction beforehand.
🚶♂️ Quick Stop
Worth a few minutes if you're in the Old Town area.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunity
The arches offer a great backdrop for photos, especially if you catch it when accessible.
📚 Research History
No info onsite, so learn about its 1700s Spanish construction beforehand.
🚶♂️ Quick Stop
Worth a few minutes if you're in the Old Town area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ruins of Compañía de Jesús are appreciated for their historic colonial arches and as a brief photo opportunity in Panama City's Old Town. However, visitors often note the lack of onsite information and restricted access, with gates frequently chained shut, limiting exploration to street views.
"Ruins of what was a beautiful building right in the heart of old town. Unfortunately there wasn't any information (such as a placard) to describe what the building was or when it was built. The gates were chained closed, so you can only view from the street."
Heather S.
"Incredible view of the ruins, there is not a whole lot to do in the area other than observe, it is free to enter and beautiful to look at."
Max M
"This beautiful place was deserted when we stumbled across it. There is not much here besides some crumbling walls, but the arches are pretty and a nice photo opportunity. It's worth a couple of minutes I'd you are close by."
Brian Spain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruins are located in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) of Panama City. You can reach Casco Viejo by taxi, ride-sharing services, or public buses. Walking is also a great way to explore the area once you're there.
They are situated in the heart of Old Town. Keep an eye out for crumbling colonial architecture; you can often view them from the street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the ruins from the street is free. Access inside may be restricted or require specific times when gates are open.
There are no official opening hours as it's a ruin. Access to the interior can be unpredictable, with gates sometimes chained shut.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activity is observing the historic architecture, particularly the arches and crumbling walls, and taking photos. It's a site for historical appreciation rather than active engagement.
Unfortunately, reviews indicate a lack of information placards at the ruins. It's recommended to research the history of the Temple of the Society of Jesus beforehand.
You can typically walk around the exterior and view the ruins from the street. Access to the interior depends on whether the gates are open.
📸 📸 Photography
The colonial arches are a popular subject. Try to capture the scale of the remaining structures against the sky.
Yes, the ruins offer a unique, historic aesthetic for photography, especially if you appreciate colonial architecture and atmospheric shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the texture of the stone, the play of light and shadow through the arches, and the overall sense of history. While information is scarce onsite, the visual storytelling of the ruins themselves can be powerful.
🚶♂️ History Buffs & Casual Explorers
It's recommended to do a bit of reading beforehand to fully grasp the significance of the site. Consider it a brief, contemplative pause in your exploration of the historic district, offering a glimpse into the past without requiring a large time commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial History
Visitors often find the site to be a poignant reminder of the passage of time. While access to the interior can be inconsistent, the exterior views offer a compelling visual. The masonry construction from that era is particularly noteworthy, with many elements still standing structurally sound.
For those interested in history and architecture, the ruins provide a quiet moment of reflection. It's a place where you can imagine the life and events that unfolded within its walls centuries ago, offering a tangible connection to Panama's colonial heritage.
Experiencing the Ruins: What to Expect
Despite the limited access, the site is still considered worthwhile by many for its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. The arches are frequently highlighted as a beautiful feature, and the crumbling walls offer a dramatic visual. It's best suited for a brief stop, perhaps a few minutes to take photos and appreciate the architecture.
To enhance your visit, consider doing some research on the history of the Compañía de Jesús before you go. Without onsite information, having some background knowledge will allow you to better understand and appreciate the ruins you are seeing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit