![La Merced Church, Antigua](/img/gd_attr/33705.jpg)
La Merced Church, Antigua (must see)
La Merced Church in Antigua stands out for its Baroque-style architecture. The building has a beautiful facade with ornamental elements set in relief and a striking yellow color of the main walls complemented by white plaster sculptures. The church has its origins in a monastery that existed from the 17th century. After an earthquake in 1773, important statuary moved to a new congregation. However, La Merced Church's community moved back to the original building in the mid-19th century.
One of the unique things about the church is the low height of its two bell towers - it is designed to withstand the frequent tremors in Guatemala. San Pedro Nolasco, who founded the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy appears in an effigy form on top of the church building. The crest for his order, as was as images of two friars from this order, appear on either side of San Pedro Nolasco's image.
The facade's central niche contains an image of Our Lady of Mercedes. On the left side of this image, visitors can see effigies of San Pedro Arinengol and San Raymundo Nonnatus. Images that visitors can see on the right include depictions of San Pedro Pascual and Santa Maria de Cervellón.
After more than three centuries, the building is still standing and remains in good shape. Today the church is popular with locals and tourists alike.
One of the unique things about the church is the low height of its two bell towers - it is designed to withstand the frequent tremors in Guatemala. San Pedro Nolasco, who founded the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy appears in an effigy form on top of the church building. The crest for his order, as was as images of two friars from this order, appear on either side of San Pedro Nolasco's image.
The facade's central niche contains an image of Our Lady of Mercedes. On the left side of this image, visitors can see effigies of San Pedro Arinengol and San Raymundo Nonnatus. Images that visitors can see on the right include depictions of San Pedro Pascual and Santa Maria de Cervellón.
After more than three centuries, the building is still standing and remains in good shape. Today the church is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Antigua. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
La Merced Church on Map
Sight Name: La Merced Church
Sight Location: Antigua, Guatemala (See walking tours in Antigua)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Antigua, Guatemala (See walking tours in Antigua)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Antigua, Guatemala
Create Your Own Walk in Antigua
Creating your own self-guided walk in Antigua is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antigua Introduction Walking Tour
Antigua, Guatemala, which is sometimes known as La Antigua, dates back to 1543. This city was the third capital of the Spanish colony. Surrounded by volcanoes, the city of Antigua is a small yet very picturesque example of Spanish colonial architecture. Jesuit and Franciscan orders have had a presence in this region since the 17th century, contributing to its rich colonial religious life.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Ancient Ruins of Antigua
In places like Antigua Guatemala, it feels as if a time machine has already been invented. This glorious ancient town breathes history in all its streets, houses, fountains, and courtyards, but above all the great ruins, which are impossible to miss against the impressive backdrop of Agua Volcano. The latter is responsible for these ruins in the first place, having caused a series of earthquakes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Antigua Museums
A combination of Spanish colonialism and Mayan culture has given rise to a wealth of heritage in Guatemala. The evidence of this is particularly visible in Antigua, a small town yet fascinating place to visit in Latin America. The local museums are well worth exploring for anyone wishing to learn about the country's history in general and some of its aspects in particular.
The Casa Santo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The Casa Santo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles