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This church is about a 5 minute walk from the Catedral Metropolitana in the Plaza de Mayo. While not as large as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Merced has more history and ornate artwork. We had to come back two different days because it was not open the first or second time we passed by. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy) is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Spain. The original monastery was built in 1603 by the Mercedarian Friars of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, and was one of the oldest in Buenos Aires. The church contains the oldest historic archive of the city, dating back earlier than 1884. In 1733, construction of the Merced Basilica began on the old monastery grounds. In 1894, the church exterior was renovated in the neo-Renaissance style, and in 1905, the facade carving was added, depicting General Belgrano's 1812 victory against the Spanish in Tucuman during the war for independence. The church was declared a basilica by Pope Benedict XV in 1917, and the building was declared a National Historical Monument in 1942. The building features both Baroque and Rococo styles. The baroque golden grand altar and the frescoes are impressive, to say the least. Though many of the church artifacts were destroyed during the anti church riots of 1955, the church still contains many of the original furnishings, and decorative items, such as the wooden Cristo de la Humildad y Paciencia, that was carved from a single tree. The basilica has beautiful stained glass windows, incredible painted arched ceilings, and an impressive collection of sculptures and artwork. Gold-leaf paint and gilding gleam from the walls, ceiling, altars, arches, pillars, etc. The detail here is almost overwhelming. Be sure to stop in and check it out!…
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Date of experience: January 2020
1 Helpful vote
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+1
This was one of the first churches we visited. It was closed, sadly. The physical features are grand.
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Date of experience: January 2020
1 Helpful vote
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This is an impressive church, such a surprise to discover it, such a beautiful church to be visited in the centre.
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Date of experience: December 2019
1 Helpful vote
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Goal100Countries wrote a review Nov 2019
Cheltenham, United Kingdom616 contributions8,271 helpful votes
The Basilica Nuestra Senora de la Merced is an incredible venue that clearly has a lot of history. There are many beautiful works of art around the place that complement the intricate architectural works.
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Date of experience: March 2019
18 Helpful votes
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We were introduced to the history and background to this magnificent structure by our v.informative guide and marvelled at the wealth of its content......well worth a visit even if religious matter is not at the forefront of your mind!
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Date of experience: March 2019
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