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The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Mercy is one of the most representative religious complexes in the Historic Center of Lima. Inside, the main altar, the image of the Virgin of Mercy, the carving of Saint Michael, and the chapel dedicated to Friar Pedro Urraca stand out. Friar Urraca is a figure closely linked to the Mercedarian religious tradition.
The temple preserves altarpieces, sculptures, paintings, and devotional elements of great artistic and historical value, allowing visitors to appreciate the importance of the Mercedarian Order in the religious life of viceregal Lima.
The presence of the Mercedarians in Lima dates back to the city’s earliest years. According to chronicles, in 1534 Captain Francisco de Becerra donated the plot of land where the Mercedarian convent would later be built. Over time, the church and convent became one of the most important religious spaces in the capital.
The church suffered considerable damage due to the earthquakes that affected Lima, especially the one in 1678. During its reconstruction, the original floor plan was preserved and one of the city’s most remarkable Baroque façades was built. The altarpiece-style façade, carved between 1697 and 1704, stands out for its Solomonic columns decorated with plant motifs, a very characteristic feature of Lima Baroque architecture.
In the 18th century, after the 1746 earthquake, the church was partially restored. Its tower was also modified to make it safer against Lima’s frequent earthquakes.
The basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, recognized as Patroness of the Armed Forces of Peru. Its main festivity is celebrated every September 24, when the image is carried in procession accompanied by worshippers and representatives of military institutions.
The Church of La Merced is located in the Historic Center of Lima, on block 6 of Jirón de la Unión, near the intersection with Jirón Santa Rosa. Thanks to its central location, it can be visited during a walking tour through the city center.
Baroque Façade
The façade is one of the greatest attractions of the church. Its altarpiece-style portal, in Lima Baroque style, is decorated with Solomonic columns, ornamental reliefs, and niches. In the central section stands the image of the Virgin of Mercy, surrounded by an architectural composition of great visual richness.
The portal combines stone in gray and pink tones, giving it a distinctive appearance among Lima’s colonial churches. Due to its artistic quality, it is considered one of the most important religious façades in the Historic Center.
Interior of the Church
Inside, altarpieces of different styles, sculptures, and paintings of great viceregal value are preserved. The main altar presents a more sober composition than other side altars, but it holds strong devotional value due to the central presence of Our Lady of Mercy.
The image of the Virgin of Mercy has had deep religious and historical importance. Since the viceregal period, she was invoked as protector of the city and, during the republican period, was recognized as Patroness of the Arms of Peru by the Constituent Congress of 1823.
Chapel of Friar Pedro Urraca
One of the most visited spaces is the chapel linked to Friar Pedro Urraca, a Mercedarian friar known for his life of penance and devotion. According to tradition, a wooden cross associated with his religious practices is preserved inside the church.
Viceregal Art
The church preserves paintings, sculptures, and decorative elements linked to Lima’s viceregal art. These pieces allow visitors to appreciate the artistic richness achieved by religious orders during the 17th and 18th centuries in Lima.
Opening hours:
Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We recommend confirming the schedule before your visit, as it may vary due to religious celebrations, Masses, restoration work, or special activities.
Admission to visit the Church of La Merced in downtown Lima is free of charge; donations are accepted.
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