Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, Colonial basilica in Historic Center of Quito, Ecuador.
The Basilica of Our Lady of La Merced is a colonial church in the center of Quito distinguished by white stone walls, decorated pillars, and a prominent tower. The adjoining monastery houses several spaces and rooms that have been preserved from the time of its founding to today.
The Mercedarian priests began construction in 1701 on the site of an Inca temple. The main tower was completed in 1736 and the basilica was consecrated in 1737, establishing this place as an important religious center.
The name refers to Mary's mercy and reflects a form of devotion that has remained important in local religious life for centuries. Visitors today observe worshippers coming to pray and spend time in quiet reflection before the carved altars inside.
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 This collection contains historical documents and books from the colonial period, making the site an important archive for scholars.
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