Templo de la Merced, Baroque church near Plaza Murillo, La Paz, Bolivia

Templo de la Merced is a Catholic church at the corner of Colon and Comercio streets, one block from Plaza Murillo. Its facade has three portals, the central one framed by neoclassical pillars and a cornice. Inside, three naves are built with lime and river stone walls, carved stone pillars and arches.

The church was founded in 1549 through a royal decree as the city expanded its religious institutions. Its current Baroque form took shape in the early 1700s when the structure was rebuilt to reflect the city's growing importance.

The temple is named after the Mercy of Mary and historically served people from different social backgrounds in the city. Visitors can see today how the various altar spaces reflect different devotional traditions.

The church sits one block from Plaza Murillo at the intersection of Colon and Comercio streets, making it easy to find on foot. Regular worship services run throughout the week, so check ahead for times when you can enter and explore the interior.

In the 19th century Vicenta Juaristi Eguino paid for an altar in the chapel on the right of the church, on condition that a mass be said there every 6 November for Antonio Roscas, her enslaved servant, executed by Mariano Ricafort on that date in 1816 for defending her.