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Santo Tomás Hospital

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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Santo Tomás Hospital is the most important public medical institution in Panama City, boasting a history of over three hundred years. Originally founded in 1702 as a hospice for the indigent sick, it evolved over the centuries into the country's central hospital. The current main building, often referred to as 'The White Elephant' due to its imposing architecture and white facade, was inaugurated on September 1, 1924, under the presidency of Belisario Porras. At the time, the building was considered oversized for the city's population, earning Porras significant criticism, but his decision later proved to be visionary. Located along Avenida Balboa, the hospital combines neoclassical stylistic elements with modern medical wings. As a teaching hospital, it plays a crucial role in the training of Panamanian physicians and provides essential healthcare for a large segment of the low-income population. The complex is designated as a national historical monument and symbolizes the progress of public health in the 20th century.

Location: Panama
Top sights: Yacht Club Tower · Sky Residences · Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud
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

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Visiting

Santo Tomás Hospital, known as the 'White Elephant,' is an active public hospital in Panama City. The interior is not open to tourists, but the magnificent white façade can be admired from the outside, making it worth a quick stop for photos.

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Typical hours

As a working hospital, there are no regular visiting hours for tourists. The exterior can be seen at any time since the building is on a public street, making it handy for a spontaneous daytime stop.

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Photography

Photographing the exterior façade from the sidewalk is allowed anytime. Please avoid using flash through windows to respect patient privacy, and the best angle is from across the street.

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Time needed

A quick photo stop in front of the building takes about 10-15 minutes. If you want to explore the surroundings, 20-30 minutes are enough to see the neighborhood and nearby sights.

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Combine with

The hospital is located in the Calidonia neighborhood, near the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum. Combine your visit with a walk through the historic Casco Antiguo district, just a few kilometers away.

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Getting there

Santo Tomás Hospital is on Avenida de los Mártires in Panama City, easily reachable by taxi or Uber. From the city center, you can also take the Metrobus (line C640) and get off at the 'Hospital Santo Tomás' stop.

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Insider tip

Visit early morning when the white façade looks especially photogenic in the soft light. Don't confuse it with the nearby 'Hospital del Niño' - both are on the same street, but Santo Tomás is much larger.

Geography

Coordinates

8.97000, -79.53100

Facts

The hospital was originally founded on April 11, 1702.
President Belisario Porras commissioned the construction of the current site.
The inauguration of the neoclassical complex took place in 1924.
The nickname 'El Elefante Blanco' stems from its massive scale at the time.
It serves as the primary trauma center for the entire Republic of Panama.
The facility was declared a national historical monument in 1986.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Panama Handicraft Center<1 km · NExplore →

Monument to the Martyrs (January 9)1 km · SExplore →

Punta Culebra Nature Center2 km · NWExplore →

Torre Interbank2 km · NExplore →

Estadio Rod Carew2 km · NEExplore →

National Zoo of Panama3 km · SEExplore →

Balboa3 km · SExplore →

Omar Torrijos Recreational Park3 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Santo Tomás Hospital (3)

Yacht Club Tower📍 landmark

High-rise building in Panama City, used for residential and commercial purposes.

Sky Residences📍 landmark

Residential tower in Panama City, offering views of the bay.

Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud📍 landmark

Health research institute in Panama City, named after a physician.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the hospital still active?

Yes, it remains one of the country's most important public hospitals.

Can the building be visited?

As an active hospital, only the exterior area is accessible to tourists.

Where is the building located?

It is located directly on Avenida Balboa in Panama City.

Is it architecturally significant?

Yes, it is a historically important building from the 1920s.

How to get there?

It is easily accessible by taxi or bus.

Santo Tomás Hospital: where is it located?

Santo Tomás Hospital is located in Panama.

Santo Tomás Hospital: what is there to see?

Highlights include Yacht Club Tower, Sky Residences, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud.

Santo Tomás Hospital: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Santo Tomás Hospital: why is it worth visiting?

Santo Tomás Hospital is the most important public medical institution in Panama City, boasting a history of over three hundred years.

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