Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Merced, Catholic basilica in historic Lima, Peru.
The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is a church in central Lima with an ornate Baroque facade decorated with Solomonic columns imported from Panama. Inside, three separate cloisters connect different sections of the religious complex.
The church was established in 1535 by Mercedarian missionaries and required major rebuilding after severe earthquakes in 1687 and 1746. Significant restoration work took place in 1860 to reinforce the structure and restore its appearance.
The Virgin of Mercy holds deep meaning for Lima's faithful, who have turned to her for protection and comfort since colonial times. You can sense this devotion in the way visitors light candles and leave offerings throughout the church.
The basilica sits in historic central Lima at the intersection of two main streets and is easy to reach on foot. Plan to walk through multiple levels and sections, as the complex contains several distinct areas to explore.
The sacristy holds a historical cross brought by Mercedarian missionaries from Spain, still preserved in its original location within the basilica. Alongside this artifact, colonial-era religious objects offer glimpses into the place's long past.
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