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Church of La Merced

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Landmark
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Church of La Merced (Cuba)

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The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced is one of Havana's most magnificent churches, located in the southern sector of the historic Old Town. Construction on the current edifice began in 1755 and spanned several decades, with its lavish interior decorations being completed primarily during the 19th century. The church is renowned for its impressive Baroque style and rich ornamentation, which includes murals painted by prominent Cuban artists of the era. Particularly noteworthy are the intricate ceiling frescoes and the gilded high altar, widely regarded as one of the finest in Cuba. The church also features a crypt and a small adjacent monastery that remains inhabited by religious orders today. It holds deep religious significance for the veneration of Our Lady of Mercy (Virgen de la Merced), who in the Afro-Cuban Santería tradition is syncretized with the deity Obatalá. This dual significance makes the church a major pilgrimage site for devotees of various spiritual backgrounds. Its tranquil interior provides a profound contrast to the lively bustle of the surrounding Old Havana streets.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222425272829292928272524
Rain mm302923336410883108102874530

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Church of La Merced is a place of worship usually open for free visits. The interior, with its rich ornamentation and altars, is accessible.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open daily, but hours may vary with service schedule. Usually accessible in the morning and early afternoon.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash. Pay attention to signs regarding photography restrictions in certain chapels.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for the interior visit. Those wishing to admire the artworks and altars may stay longer.
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Combine with
This church is in Old Havana, good to combine with Plaza Vieja and the Capitol. A stroll through the surrounding streets is worthwhile.
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Getting there
The church is centrally located in Havana, easily reachable on foot from other sights. Taxis and buses stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Look up at the ornate ceiling frescoes - among the best in Havana. Visit the church late morning when light highlights the details.

Geography

Coordinates
23.13800, -82.35500

Facts

  • The complete construction of the church took nearly 100 years.
  • The ceiling frescoes were created by artists such as Melero and Chartrand.
  • The ornate gilded altar was manufactured in Paris during the 19th century.
  • A major religious procession is held every September 24th in honor of the Virgin.
  • The church architecture features an impressive double staircase design.
  • The interior houses numerous valuable relics and period oil paintings.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Colón CemeteryColón Cemetery<1 km · WExplore →
Havana Industrial ComplexHavana Industrial Complex3 km · SExplore →
Santiago de las VegasSantiago de las Vegas3 km · WExplore →
Almendares RiverAlmendares River5 km · SExplore →
Hemingway HouseHemingway House6 km · NExplore →
Fortress of CojímarFortress of Cojímar8 km · NExplore →
BatabanóBatabanó10 km · NWExplore →
Havana Steel PlantHavana Steel Plant11 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Church of La Merced (3)

Obispo Street (Havana)📍 landmark

A busy shopping street in Havana's historic center, lined with stores and cafes.

Church Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje, Havana📍 landmark

A small baroque church near the port, traditionally visited by travelers.

Bacardi Building (Havana)📍 landmark

An Art Deco skyscraper in central Havana, former headquarters of the Bacardi distillery.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Iglesia de la Merced?
It is one of the most sumptuously decorated churches in Havana, featuring beautiful frescoes.
Which religions are practiced here?
In addition to Catholic masses, it is a significant site for Santería practitioners.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entrance is free, but donations for the church's upkeep are welcome.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is usually restricted or prohibited to avoid disturbing worshippers.
Where is the church located?
At the southern end of Old Havana, on the corner of Calle Cuba and Calle Merced.
Church of La Merced: where is it located?
Church of La Merced is located in Cuba.
Church of La Merced: what is there to see?
Highlights include Obispo Street (Havana), Church Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje, Havana, Bacardi Building (Havana).
Church of La Merced: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Church of La Merced: why is it worth visiting?
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced is one of Havana's most magnificent churches, located in the southern sector of the historic Old Town.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Santiago de las Vegas — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Santiago de las Vegas
A city in the Havana province, home to the Cuban Meteorological Institute.

History & landmarks

Cathedral Square — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Cathedral Square
An important historic square in the old town of Havana.
Palace of the Captains General — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Palace of the Captains General
Former seat of Spanish governors in Havana, now the city museum.
El Capitolio — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
El Capitolio
A monumental government building inspired by the US Capitol in Washington.
Colón Cemetery — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Colón Cemetery
One of the most monumental cemeteries in the Americas, known for its funerary architecture.
Calle Obispo — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Calle Obispo
A busy pedestrian street in Old Havana lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Paseo del Prado — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Paseo del Prado
A famous tree-lined promenade in the center of Havana.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
A historic hotel built in the 1930s that is a legend.
Great Theatre of Havana — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Great Theatre of Havana
A grand theater in Havana and a major symbol of the city's cultural life.

Nature

Almendares River — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Almendares River
A river that flows through Havana, dividing the city in two.

More places

Museum of the Revolution — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Museum of the Revolution
Former presidential palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.
Port of Havana — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Port of Havana
The main port of Havana Bay and one of Cuba's busiest maritime gateways.
José Martí Birthplace — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
José Martí Birthplace
Birthplace of Cuba's national hero in Havana.
Havana Textile Factory — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Havana Textile Factory
Production of apparel.
Fortaleza de la Cabaña — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Fortaleza de la Cabaña
Large 18th-century fortress east of the harbor entrance.
Havana Industrial Complex — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Havana Industrial Complex
An industrial site associated with Cuba's state-led manufacturing and processing sector.
Colon Cemetery — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Colon Cemetery
One of the most historically significant cemeteries in the world, in Havana.
Havana Fishing Port — Church of La Merced (Cuba)
Havana Fishing Port
Center of the fishing fleet.