Templo de la Merced, Baroque church near Plaza Murillo, La Paz, Bolivia
Templo de la Merced is a Baroque church near the center of La Paz featuring three naves built from river stone and lime with carved stone pillars and classical arches. The interior space is divided by these structural elements that create distinct sections for worship and devotion.
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.
The presbytery once had a reserved seating area for the Marquesa de Haro, reflecting the strict social order of colonial times. This architectural detail shows how the physical layout of the church expressed the social hierarchy of that era.
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