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

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1,082
#10 of 75 things to do in Antigua
Churches & Cathedrals
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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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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
415 within 3 miles
FRIDAS
1,252
497 ft$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Bar
Fernando's Kaffee
732
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • International
Epicure Restaurant
1,040
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
El Criollo
158
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Grill • Guatemalan
La Casa de las Sopas
223
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Latin • International • Soups
Luna de Miel
1,037
323 ft$$ - $$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Casa Escobar Antigua
327
0.2 mi$$$$ • Steakhouse • Latin • Central American
La Bruja
471
0.3 mi$ • Healthy • Central American • Vegetarian Friendly
Sobremesa
606
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Contemporary • Fusion
Tartines
383
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
54 within 6 miles
Arco de Santa Catalina
1,711
0.1 miAncient Ruins
Belfinart
6
385 ftArt Galleries
ChocoMuseo
2,408
0.3 miSpeciality Museums
Convento de las Capuchinas
555
0.3 miAncient Ruins
Cerro de la Cruz
1,449
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
The Plaza Central Park
1,967
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Maximo Nivel Guatemala
2
0.2 miUniversities & Schools
Casa Santo Domingo Museums
1,600
0.5 miSpeciality Museums • Art Museums
Mercado el Carmen
46
0.2 miFlea & Street Markets
Centro de Formacion de la Cooperacion Espanola en La Antigua Guatemala
32
0.2 miOperas
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,082 reviews
Excellent
594
Very good
373
Average
106
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Stephen L
Cambridge, UK475 contributions
Beautiful building and facade
Nov 2022 • Solo
Built in the 1760s to withstand earthquakes and still standing although there is some current renovation work to the building structure. Beautiful yellow and white facade.
And do visit the ruins of the monastery behind the church.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,621 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael W
Redding, CT1,059 contributions
Very well restored
Nov 2022 • Friends
This church is both well restored and beautiful maintained. In fact they are painting the outside again as I write. It’s not anything like as ornate inside as many other churches of a similar period but, again, it’s very well maintained. Worth a short visit but note that no entry is allowed when mass is being held.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rob C
San Jose, CA2,115 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dr. Tim
Marana, AZ5,139 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Suzanne T
Oaxaca, Mexico403 contributions
Beautiful building with so much joy!
Dec 2019
Contrary to normal Catholic churches, this one exudes joy and a love of living things in this beautiful Moorish designs of vines and birds going up the columns and beautiful Moorish patterns.
Enjoy!!! and I LOVE the color too. Just a delight...as is the monastery/convent next door.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mikebrownnz
Cardiff, UK1,082 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chelsealynne
Pensacola, FL923 contributions
My favorite church in Antigua
Jan 2020 • Solo
Lovely church and it’s free to enter. I find the white and yellow exterior quite lovely. Catch a glimpse of the church from the hill with the cross. It looks really huge from up there. Shops next door have a great variety of souvenirs.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Goal100Countries
Cheltenham, UK615 contributions
Visit at night!
Dec 2018 • Solo
You MUST visit the church of La Merced at night and in the month of December. They have decorated the church with numerous christmas lights and tasteful festivities. It is a must see at night and in the day you will be able to enter and check out the interior!
Written December 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Iglesia de La Merced, Antigua

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Iglesia de La Merced is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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