Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, Colonial basilica in Historic Center of Quito, Ecuador.

The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is a white Catholic church in Quito's Historic Center, built from 1701 with five domes, a square tower and walls bearing Inca and Arabic inscriptions. Its main altarpiece was carved by Bernardo de Legarda between 1748 and 1751, and the sacristy dates from the early 19th century.

The Mercedarians built their first church and headquarters in Ecuador here, starting in 1701 under architect José Jaime Ortiz. The square tower was finished in 1736 and the basilica consecrated in 1737. Bernardo de Legarda carved the main altarpiece between 1748 and 1751, and the sacristy behind the chancel dates from the early 19th century.

The Mercedarian Order, founded in 1218 by Peter Nolasco, took as its mission the ransoming of Christian captives, and the basilica's name, Our Lady of Mercy, recalls that work. The convent vaults hold the remains of the 17th-century painter Isabel de Santiago and Juan Pío de Montúfar y Frasso, first Marquis of Selva Alegre and 22nd president of Quito.

Entry is free and there are no restrictions to explore the church and adjacent rooms. It is advisable to visit during regular hours and wear respectful clothing when entering an active place of religious worship.

The building houses a generous two-story library connected by a wooden spiral staircase. This collection contains historical documents and books from the colonial period, making the site an important archive for scholars.