Basilica and Convent of Nuestra Señora de la Merced facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica y Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced |
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| Location | Lima |
| Country | Peru |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Membership | Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (Mercedarians) |
| History | |
| Founded | 1535 |
| Dedication | Virgin of Mercy |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Churrigueresque |
| Completed | 1765 |
The Basilica and Priory of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is a famous old church in Lima, Peru. It's known for its beautiful and fancy style called Churrigueresque, which is a type of Baroque architecture. Friar Miguel de Orenes helped build it way back in 1535.
People especially honor the Virgin of Mercy here. She is even the special protector of the Peruvian Armed Forces. The Mercedarian religious group built this church. They helped develop Lima by building many of the churches you can still see today.
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Where to Find the Church
The Basilica and Convent of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is in the Historic Center of Lima. You can find it where two streets meet: block 6 of Jirón de la Unión (also called Calle La Merced) and the first block of Jirón Antonio Miró Quesada (also called Calle Jesús Nazareno).
A Look at Its History
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The convent and church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced are almost as old as the city of Lima itself. Historical records show that the land for the church belonged to the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. In 1534, Captain Francisco de Becerra gave money to help build the first convent. He and his wife are buried in the church's crypt.
The Mercedarians were a religious group who came to Peru. They helped educate the local people. The first church was made of wood. The building you see today is made of adobe and brick. The fancy Baroque entrance was carved in 1591 by Cristóbal Gómez.
Changes Over Time
In 1589, after an earthquake, Alonso de Morales added a square tower. This was thought to be the first tall building in colonial Lima. Later, in 1592, architect Cristóbal Gómez rebuilt parts of the convent.
The church's main area, called the nave, was updated in 1608. It was made wider with three open naves and a large transept (the part that crosses the main nave). This change made the church look much grander inside. This new style was copied in other churches across South America.
Earthquakes often damaged the church. One in 1609 slowed down building work. Another big earthquake in 1687 destroyed parts of the church and convent. Francisco Javier Domínguez led the rebuilding efforts. In 1696, the stone entrance you see today was built.
More additions were made between the earthquakes of 1687 and 1746:
- In 1702, an altarpiece (a decorated screen behind the altar) was finished.
- In 1714, paintings of the four evangelists were added to a chapel.
- In 1730, the Virgin of Mercy was named "Patroness of the Fields of Lima." She was carried in a special parade for the first time.
- In 1739, a statue called the Lord of Help was created.
Rebuilding After Disasters
A huge earthquake in 1746 destroyed much of the church and convent. Rebuilding took many years, through the second half of the 18th century. A fire in 1775 also damaged the sacristy (a room where priests prepare).
Important parts of the church that were rebuilt during this time include:
- The tower, main staircase, and inside balconies (1759-1762).
- The entrance (1762-1765).
- The dome decorations and sacristy (1765-1768).
- The library (1774).
- The second floor of the main cloister (1777-1780).
- Paintings showing the life of St. Peter Nolasco, the founder of the Mercedarian order, were added to the main cloister (1781-1792).
- New altars and the Chapter Hall were built (1786-1798).
- The church bells, which ring for important ceremonies, were also made and installed during this period.
In 1860, architect Guillermo D'Coudry led more restoration work. In the early 1900s, the church's front was covered with plaster. But in 1940, this plaster was removed, bringing back the church's original look.
The Altarpiece and Virgin of Mercy
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The church has many beautiful altarpieces, which are often covered in gold. The main altarpiece features an image of the Virgin of Mercy. In 1615, she was called the "heavenly protector of Lima." Later, in 1730, she became the "Perpetual Patroness of the Fields of Lima." In 1823, she was named patroness of the Peruvian Armed Forces. In 1921, she was given the special title of Gran Mariscala, meaning "Great Marshal Woman."
The statue of the Virgin holds chains and a scapular, which are symbols of her religious order. She also holds a gold scepter.
Inside the Convent
The front of the church shows the Liman Churrigueresque style. It has a statue of the Virgin of Mercy in the middle, surrounded by other figures.
The convent has three cloisters (open courtyards): the main cloister, the Cloister of Doctors, and the Novitiate. The main cloister is large and has altars with decorative tiles called azulejos. The Cloister of the Doctors is named for carvings that show Mercedarians who were professors at the National University of San Marcos. A school also operated here from 1917 to 1972. A grand staircase under a dome connects the main cloister and the Cloister of Doctors.
The library holds old religious books. It also has the chair where Friar Pedro Urraca sat, which is now considered a special item. The sacristy has the historic Cross of the Conquest, brought by the Mercedarians.
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Some parts of the Basilica and Convent of La Merced have statues in niches. These include figures like the Lord of Huanca and the Lord of Cachuy, which are local images of Jesus Crucified.
Friar Pedro Urraca
Pedro Urraca was born in Spain in 1583. When he was 19, he sailed to Peru. Legend says his ship almost sank in a big storm. Pedro Urraca prayed to the Virgin for safety. The storm calmed, and the ship reached Quito, where he began his religious training. He then went to Peru.
During his life, he wore rough clothing and iron chains on his body as a way to show his devotion. After 30 years, the chains had become embedded in his skin. Doctors had to remove them. He later returned to Spain and became a spiritual advisor to Queen Elisabeth of France.
Even though he was asked to stay at court, he returned to Lima. He died on August 7, 1657, at age 74. His remains are in the church floor. A sign there says: "In this place and under the earth rests the body of the Servant of God Friar Pedro Urraca de the Holy Trinity." Efforts to declare him a saint began in 1682. In 1981, Pope John Paul II declared him "Venerable," which is a step towards sainthood.
See also
- List of buildings in Lima
In Spanish: Basílica y convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (Lima) para niños
