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| This is the famous Altar de Oro (Golden Altar) in the San Jose Church in Casco Viejo. It was the only thing salvaged after the pirate Henry Morgan (yes, a real pirate) sacked Panama in 1671. Made of wood and gilded with gold leaf, a priest painted the altar black when he heard the pirate was coming. The legend is that the priest told Morgan that the famous altar had been stolen by another pirate, and even convinced Morgan to donate toward a replacement. Morgan is said to have told the priest "I don't know why, but I think you are more of a pirate than I am". |
