Panchimalco, a Colonial Town in El Salvador
At a glance
| Panchimalco | |
|---|---|
| Municipality | San Salvador Sur |
| Population | 44,404 (2024 census) |
| Main church | Santa Cruz de Roma, begun 1543; National Monument since 27 February 1975 |
| Festival | Flores y Palmas |
| Lookouts | Puerta del Diablo and Planes de Renderos |
Source: BCR and ONEC: VII Population Census 2024, population by department, municipality and district, urban and rural (Excel, in Spanish); Ministry of Culture: the parish church of Panchimalco, a National Monument; El Salvador Travel (Ministry of Tourism): Panchimalco3,2,1
Map
The church of Santa Cruz de Roma
- History: work began on 1 April 1543, by the Indigenous people of the town under Spanish friars. The first church was probably thatched; it was later rebuilt in a more solid form. The earthquake of 5 May 1736 caused serious damage, and the 2001 earthquakes more; recovery work began in late 2004.
- Architecture: three naves divided by wooden columns on stone bases, carved roof beams, a clay-tiled roof and a stone front in the form of an altarpiece, with niches holding statues of saints.
- Protection: it was declared a National Monument by Legislative Decree 209 of 27 February 1975, and since 2005 carries the Blue Shield of the Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property.
Source: Ministry of Culture: the parish church of Panchimalco, a National Monument2
The town
- Flores y Palmas: the town celebrates the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and the Virgin of the Rosary with the festival of Las Flores y Las Palmas.
- Casa de la Cultura: the Casa de la Cultura y Convivencia has the Sergio Clará art gallery, pre-Columbian garments from across El Salvador and old photos of the town.
- Nearby: Balboa Park, the Puerta del Diablo lookout and the Planes de Renderos viewpoint, on the main road into town.
Source: El Salvador Travel (Ministry of Tourism): Panchimalco1
Visiting
Opening hours of museums, markets and food fairs change. Check with the town hall or the Ministry of Tourism before you travel.
For investors
Small hotels, cafés, restaurants and coffee tours serve the visitors of these towns, and tourism projects can apply for the incentives of the Tourism Law. In historic centres, building work on old houses can need permits from the Ministry of Culture; ask your lawyer and the town hall before you buy.
Sources
- El Salvador Travel (Ministry of Tourism): Panchimalco
- Ministry of Culture: the parish church of Panchimalco, a National Monument (in Spanish)
- BCR and ONEC: VII Population Census 2024, population by department, municipality and district, urban and rural (Excel, in Spanish)
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestSalvador.com for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.