La Catedral de San Juan Bautista

Chitré [1]’s Catedral de San Juan Bautista was built between 1896 and 1910 on the site of an earlier church (on the east end of Parque Union). With its tall twin towers, it’s an easily spotted landmark.

Inside, it’s most notable for what it lacks: overwrought decorations. Instead, it makes tasteful, restrained use of dark woods, gold trim, attractive frescos, and stained glass. An arched ceiling made from thick beams, some of them hand-hewn, gives the cathedral a cozy feel.

It recently underwent a tasteful restoration that, among other things, exposed the handsome stone walls of the exterior. The cathedral looks especially attractive at night, when it’s illuminated.