Basilica of La Merced, Cusco facts for kids
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The Basilica of La Merced, also known as the Convent of La Merced, is an important church in Cusco, Peru. It is located very close to the city's main square, the Plaza de Armas. This church belongs to the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, a religious group. It also has a convent and a school next to it.
The church has a special design with three main sections, covered by brick ceilings and a dome in the middle. It features beautiful Baroque style altars on the sides and a Neoclassical main altar. The church also has a tall tower with a Baroque bell tower. Inside, you can see amazing colonial paintings and wooden carvings. The remains of important historical figures like Diego de Almagro, Diego de Almagro II, and Gonzalo Pizarro rest here.
Since 1972, this building has been recognized as a Historic Monument of Peru. It is also part of Cusco's historic center, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site in 1983.
Contents
History of the Basilica
The Basilica of La Merced was started by Friar Sebastián de Trujillo Castañeda between 1535 and 1536. In 1538, Francisco Pizarro gave land to the Mercedarian order. This is where they began building their first church in Cusco.
The church you see today replaced the first one, which was destroyed by a big earthquake in 1650. The current church was built between 1651 and 1670. The church's tower and the second cloister of the convent were added later, between 1692 and 1696.
What You Can See Inside
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Inside the Basilica, there are many impressive murals. These paintings show scenes from the life of Peter Nolasco, who founded the Mercedarian Order.
The Amazing Monstrance
One of the most famous treasures in the Basilica of La Merced is its monstrance. A monstrance is a special container used in churches to display the Eucharist. This one is a stunning piece of art made from gold and precious stones.
It is very large, standing 130 centimeters (about 4.3 feet) tall and weighing 22 kilograms (about 48.5 pounds). It contains 230 grams of gold and silver, along with many jewels. There are 1538 diamonds, 628 pearls, 312 amethysts, 3 emeralds, 1 topaz, and many rubies. The monstrance also has small carvings of angels, the Virgin Mary, a mermaid, and a sheep.
Sculpture of St. Peter Nolasco
The church also has a sculpture of Saint Peter Nolasco. This artwork is believed to have been created by a local artist from Cusco, Melchor Guamán Maita.
The Museum
There is a small museum of religious art located in the sacristy of the church.
Christ of the Earthquakes
On Holy Monday, a special tradition takes place. The statue of the Christ of the Earthquakes, who is the patron saint of Cusco, visits the Basilica of La Merced. The statue stays for about an hour, where a mass is held, and people sing Christian songs. Before this visit, the Christ of the Earthquakes statue changes its robes at the Monastery of San José y Santa Teresa.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de la Merced (Cuzco) para niños
