La Merced Church and Convent, Cuzco

Erected in 1536 and rebuilt in 1680 after the great earthquake, the Iglesia de La Merced ranks just below Cusco Cathedral and La Compañía Church in importance.

The church and convent were founded by Riña Sebastián de Castañeda in 1535 on a plot donated by the Marquis Francisco Pizarro.

La Merced has a beautiful facade and lovely cloisters with a mural depicting the life of the Merced Order's founder, the French St. Pedro Nolasco.

The sacristy contains a small museum of religious art, including a spectacular solid-gold monstrance swathed in precious stones.

The church's crypt shelters the remains of two famous conquistadors, Diego de Almagro and Gonzalo Pizarro. When Almagro began his expedition to Chile, he brought along two Mercederian chaplains from Cusco.

The church was designed a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1946.

Quick Facts on La Merced Church and Convent

Site Information
Names:	La Merced Church and Convent
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	13.518276° S, 71.979477° W
Address:	Cuzco, Peru
Lodging:	View hotels near La Merced Church and Convent

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

Frommer's Peru, 2nd edition
Church and Convent of La Merced – Cusco-Peru.org

More Information

Photos of La Merced Church and Convent - here on Sacred Destinations

Map of La Merced Church and Convent, Cuzco

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