Our Lady of Mercy Church, Puebla, Mexico, Colonial church in Puebla, Mexico
Our Lady of Mercy Church is a colonial-era church building in Puebla featuring a stone facade with white and colored elements displaying traditional Mexican baroque patterns. The interior contains multiple altars and side chapels that structure the space and provide different areas for worship.
The Mercedarian order arrived in Puebla in 1598 and built a monastery on the hermitage of Saints Cosme and Damian, granted by Bishop Diego Romano. The temple was dedicated in 1659 as the Convento de San Cosme y San Damián de la Real y Militar Orden de la Merced y la Redención de los cautivos, and the monastic building served as a hospital for indigenous people. The 19 September 2017 earthquake damaged the church, which was restored through 2018.
The church's name references one of the most important Catholic symbols in Mexico, shaping the devotion of many local residents. People continue to gather here for daily prayers and celebrations on religious holidays.
The church is located in central Puebla and is accessible to visitors during daylight hours, with fewer people present outside of service times. Those wishing to explore the interior fittings peacefully should visit in the early morning when crowds are minimal.
On 12 July 2018, tombs and tunnels were found beneath the church; the tunnels may connect to other Puebla temples such as La Compañía, San Agustín and San Francisco. The original bell tower, two bodies tall, was demolished around 1872 during the Siege of Puebla; the present tower holds five bells.
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