Basilica Menor Santiago Apostól de Natá

Natá’s past is far more impressive and interesting than its present, however. Today it’s a sleepy village of onion and tomato farmers. Pretty much the only attraction left is its famous, ancient church, the Basilica Menor Santiago Apostól de Natá. Though built over several decades after the founding of the town, it lays claim to being the oldest church along the entire Pacific littoral of the Americas. While of interest to historians, it’s actually a rather simple if attractive stucco church with a plain wooden ceiling and red-tile roof. Its most notable features are its elaborate carved wooden altars. It was renovated in 1998. Every July 25, a statue of Santiago Apostól, the patron saint of Natá, is paraded through the streets of the town for the faithful. The nearby chapel, Capilla de San Juan de Dios, is supposed to be renovated eventually.

If the church is closed during the week, ask for help at the alcaldía (mayor’s office), on the right side of the plaza as you face the church. The church isn’t really all that impressive or worth making a special trip for, but the Interamericana is less than a kilometer away from the church and village center, making it an easy place to swing by for those with their own transportation. Visitors can easily walk to the church from the highway if need be. There are a few facilities for tourists in Natá, but there are better options in Aguadulce or Penonomé.