Central America
Guatemala
Sacatepequez Department
Antigua
Things to Do in Antigua
Iglesia de La Merced

Iglesia de La Merced, Antigua

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Iglesia de La Merced

See all things to do
See all things to do
Iglesia de La Merced
4.5
1,077
#10 of 63 things to do in Antigua
Churches & Cathedrals
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Destroyed twice by earthquakes, this 1548 church was rebuilt in the 1700s to withstand earthquakes and boasts a lovely yellow façade and a huge stone fountain, reputed to be the largest in Central America.
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4.5
1,077 reviews
Excellent
590
Very good
371
Average
107
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Rob C
San Jose, CA2,059 contributions
Quite unremarkable, actually
Apr 2021
This church is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. It is quite picturesque with its vibrant yellow façade and white details. Honestly though, other than the few hints of native vegetation featured on its front , it does not stand out from many colonial churches that litter Mexico and South America. The towers are quite squat and bulky (I get it, the earthquakes) and the façade looks like dozens of others , unless you really pay attention to the details. I visited during the semana santa and I was not allowed to venture inside, by an angry-looking Guatemalan man.
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Flitz8-A foodie travels
Athens, Greece2,646 contributions
Lovely church
Jan 2021 • Solo
This lovely church is in center and is quite popular with locals and tourists, it's beautiful from outside as well
Written February 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,542 contributions
The splendor of the Spanish baroque in Antigua!
Nov 2019
Much has already been written about this amazing "Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced" (Church of Our Lady of Mercy, in English). It is a quite "brave" church, as it is one of the very few buildings that have remained standing and relatively undamaged after all those earthquakes that have struck Guatemala along the centuries. The actual church had its construction started in 1749, was inaugurated in 1767 and was abandoned after the earthquakes of Santa Marta, in 1773. In 1853, it had its restoration initiated and, up to our days, it is still strikingly beautiful! The Spanish baroque style is present in its facade and interior. Visit the church and the ruins of the adjoining convent, check the altars and the holy images of Jesus Nazarene and of Our Ladies of Mercy and Sorrow. In front of the church, at the end of 5ª Avenida Norte, the old atrium's stone cross and a small park, known as "Parque de La Merced". Night visits allow enjoying the scenic lightings and the beautiful stucco works with arabesque patterns . Enjoy!
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
301lisa33
Coventry, UK1,350 contributions
Grand
Oct 2019
This church and its adjacent square is quite grand and worth seeing. The exterior has seasonal decorations when we were there and we didnt go inside.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chelsealynne
Pensacola, FL854 contributions
Lovely church worth a visit
May 2020 • Solo
This church was very popular. As a solo traveler I went in the afternoon after church services. There were lovely flowers inside. The exterior with white and yellow is just so beautiful. It is the most beautiful church in the city.
Written May 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda K
2 contributions
Beautiful church and ruins
Mar 2020
A really spectacular church, inside and out, especially when the ceiling is draped with purple and gold banners for Lent.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JuanJo M
Guatemala City, Guatemala21 contributions
Must See!
Mar 2020 • Family
You'll be amazed by the double deck fountain! It is a must see if you are going to Antigua!you will be able to see the typical patio in the center!
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dr. Tim
Marana, AZ4,728 contributions
Beautiful church inside and out
Mar 2020 • Couples
This was one of the churches we visited on our Blue Planet tour that we took from our cruise ship. This church is very beautiful on the outside with the yellow and white. On the inside there are many beautiful statues with good signage. When we visited some young people were doing sand art on the floor near the altars and these will remain there through lent. I definitely recommend a visit and hopefully you’ll have at least half an hour for wandering around.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CaFoodRepublic
Chico, CA686 contributions
Upper tier church and grounds in Antigua
Feb 2020 • Couples
One of the larger, better preserved, and exterior well-maintained churches in this city with many to choose from. Just from the Square, colorful, accessible, and a great place to observe the locals practicing their vibrant and still live in Catholicism. Labels and signage on the altars is better than average.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mikebrownnz
Cardiff, UK1,078 contributions
Worth a respectful visit
Feb 2020 • Solo
At one end of town, not far from the arc, this beautifully facades church has a simple architectural interior but with a series of very ornate secondary altars and homages to various saints. It is very much a locals place of worship, so no entry fee, but respectful photography is allowed in all bar the special sacristy where a dress code (no shorts) also applies.

There is a large fountain outside under a shady tree lined square so, whilst there are some hawkers there, it is also a good place to rest for a bit
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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