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Arco Chato
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Historical site
The Arco Chato (Flat Arch) is one of Panama's most famous architectural legends, located within the ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent. Built in the 17th century by Dominican friars, this brick arch is remarkable for its extremely low curve, spanning 15 meters without a central support or keystone. For over 300 years, its continued stability was used by proponents of the Panama Canal as proof that the region was geologically stable and free from severe earthquakes, an argument that famously helped convince the US Congress to choose Panama over Nicaragua. Although the arch collapsed on a quiet night in 2003, it was meticulously rebuilt using original materials and modern reinforcement. It stands today as a symbol of colonial ingenuity and a pivot point in the history of the Panama Canal.
- Location: Panama
- Top sights: Palacio de las Garzas · Casco Viejo, Panama · Archdiocese of Panamá
- Nearby: Chilibre (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 9 | 18 | 107 | 245 | 253 | 204 | 220 | 245 | 260 | 248 | 108 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Arco Chato lies in the ruins of the former Santo Domingo convent in Panama City and is freely accessible from outside. The entire site is public and entry is free.
Typical hours
The ruins are accessible during daytime; no night lighting is provided. Visitors can see the arch and surroundings at any time.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted. As the arch is flat, a tripod is recommended for detailed shots.
Time needed
About 10-15 minutes for the Arco Chato itself. The entire ruins including the adjacent museum can be explored in 30-45 minutes.
Combine with
The Arco Chato is in the historic Casco Viejo district, which has many other sights. The nearby Interoceanic Canal Museum perfectly complements the visit.
Getting there
Casco Viejo is easily reachable from Panama City by taxi or bus. The Arco Chato is on Plaza de la Constitución, walkable from there.
Insider tip
Visit the arch in the late afternoon, when sunlight nicely highlights the flat structure. Several nearby cafés offer views of the ruin.
Geography
Facts
- A marvel of 17th-century masonry and engineering.
- Spans over 15 meters with almost no vertical curve.
- Crucial piece of 'evidence' in the Nicaragua vs. Panama canal debate.
- Collapsed in November 2003 due to structural fatigue and humidity.
- The reconstruction project took several years to complete.
- Located in the Casco Antiguo UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Attributed to the Dominican friars who built the convent.
- One of the most iconic symbols of Panamanian national pride.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Arco Chato (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Arco Chato?
A famous flat arch in a historic church ruin.
Can one visit the arch?
Yes, it is publicly accessible.
Is access free?
Mostly yes, as it is an open-air monument.
Are there guided tours?
Possible in combination with tours through the neighborhood.
How long for the visit?
About 15-20 minutes.
Arco Chato: where is it located?
Arco Chato is located in Panama.
Arco Chato: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palacio de las Garzas, Casco Viejo, Panama, Archdiocese of Panamá.
Arco Chato: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Arco Chato: why is it worth visiting?
The Arco Chato (Flat Arch) is one of Panama's most famous architectural legends, located within the ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent.
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Nearby cities
Chilibre
A large district in the north of Panama City.
Las Garzas, Panama
A district in the east of Panama City, near Pacora.
Balboa
A historic district at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal.
San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
A pristine archipelago of over 360 islands, managed by the indigenous Guna people, featuring postcard-perfect beaches.
History & landmarks
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue
A statue honoring the discoverer of the Pacific.
Palacio de las Garzas
The official residence of the President of Panama.
National Theatre of Panama
The country's most important opera and theatre building.
Panama Handicraft Center
A place for traditional Panamanian crafts.
Palacio Municipal
The City Hall of Panama City in Casco Viejo.
Iglesia de San José
A church in Casco Viejo, famous for its golden altar.
Balboa Monument
A monument dedicated to the explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
Edificio Hatillo
A significant municipal government building.
More places
Ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent
Remains of the Dominican convent in Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Interoceanic Canal Museum
Important museum in Casco Viejo about the history of the Panama Canal.
Fuerte San José
One of the historic defensive systems that once protected the bay of Panama.
Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís
Historic Franciscan church in Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Casa Ayora
An important historic residential building in Panama City.
Museum of Colonial Religious Art
Houses works of art from the Spanish colonial period in Panama.
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
Former Jesuit church in the old town of Panama, Casco Viejo.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama
The most important cathedral in Panama City, built over several decades.